John Spencer died of a heart attack on Friday. He was 58. He has played one of my favorite characters on The West Wing since it came on the air. His character, Leo McGarey, was being set up to be the new vice president on the show after the election later this season.
> This guy’s walking down the street when he falls in a hole. The walls are so steep he can’t get out. A doctor passes by, and the guy shouts up, “Hey, you, can you help me out?” The doctor writes a prescription, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a priest comes along, and the guy shouts up, “Father, I’m down in this hole. Can you help me out?” The priest writes a prayer, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a friend walks by. “Hey, Joe, it’s me. Can you help me Out” And the friend jumps in the hole. Our guy says, “Are you nuts? Now we’re both down here.” The friend says, “Yeah, but I’ve been down here before – and I know the way out.” — Leo McGarry (John Spencer), *The West Wing*