Join or Sign In

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

John Spencer Biography

Birth Name:John Speshock

Birth Place:New York City, New York, United States

Profession Actor

Fast Facts

Recipient of an Obie Award in 1981 for his work in the off-Broadway production of "Still Life"
Enrolled at the Professional Children's School at a young age, he would eventually study with classmates, Liza Minnelli and Pinchas Zukerman, among others
Born to a working-class family, his parents were adamant about him finishing a professional degree, as they both worked bull-collar jobs
Passed away at the age of 58 following an unexpected heart attack
Quote: "I never wanted to do anything but act․ It saved my life․ It's the reason I get up in the morning․ It's my opiate․ The prize for me was always getting the next gig, so I could do this wonderful thing I love․"
Got his start on "The Patty Duke Show" before transitioning to more dramatic guest-starring roles on both television and later film
West Wing co-star Kristin Chenoweth sang at his funeral
A lifelong admirer of Franklin D․ Roosevelt

2000OFTA Television Award-Best Actor in a New Drama Series: nominated
2000OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2000Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2000Q Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Quality Drama Series: winner
2001Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: winner
2001OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2001Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2001TV Guide Award-Supporting Actor of the Year in a Drama Series: nominated
2002Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: winner
2002OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: winner
2002Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: winner
2003Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
2003Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
2003Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2004Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
2004Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2005Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
2006Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
2010Gold Derby TV Award-Drama Supporting Actor of the Decade: nominated