'West Wing' star John Spencer dies

[Lindy]

West Wing star John Spencer has died of a heart attack at the age of 58, it has been confirmed.

In a sad twist of irony, Spencer's on-screen character, Leo McGarry, suffered a heart attack during the show's sixth season, resulting in the character giving up his job as chief of staff to Martin Sheen's President Jeb Bartlet. However, McGarry recovered and the character became a candidate for vice president of the United States in the season currently airing on NBC in America.

Prior to his work on The West Wing, Spencer played the role of Tommy Mullaney on L.A. Law.

Spencer would have been 59 next week.

[Lindy]

West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin has paid tribute to John Spencer, who died on Friday.

A joint statement from Aaron Sorkin and West Wing executive producer Thomas Schlamme reads:

"We're shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of our friend and colleague. John was an uncommonly good man, an exceptional role model and a brilliant actor. We feel privileged to have known him and worked with him. He'll be missed and remembered everyday by his many, many friends."

John Wells, another of the show's producers, said:

"John was a wonderful actor, a pleasure to work with and a true gentleman, but most importantly, a generous and gracious friend. He will be missed by everyone who ever had the great fortune to know him."

A joint statement was also issued by NBC and Warner Bros. Television. It reads:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend John Spencer. John was a remarkable man with enormous talent and beloved by everyone who had the privilege of working with him on The West Wing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this most difficult time. He will be greatly missed."

[.:SpIcYsPy:.]

:( Rest In Peace xx

[Chloe-Elise]

Awwwww, RIP :(