John Spencer Biography

Fast Facts

• As a boy, won a 4-H ribbon for raising vegetables; gardening continued to be a passion throughout his life
• First TV role, at 16, was a recurring part on The Patty Duke Show
• Was originally cast in Oliver Stone's Platoon (1986); after he bowed out because of a scheduling conflict, Spencer's role was given to John C
• McGinley
• Quit drinking in 1989, and subsequently spoke openly about his recovery from alcoholism
• Best known for his roles as attorney Tommy Mullaney on L
• A
• Law and White House Chief of Staff Leo McGarry on the West Wing
• Collected art and antiques