John Spencer

Birth Name:

John Speshock

Birth Place:

New York City, New York, United States

Profession

Actor

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

Fast Facts