The West Wing - "This Is Something I Have to Play"

At PaleyFest LA on March 7, 2000, John Spencer (Leo McGarry) talks about his delight at playing a White House chief of staff, as penned by Aaron Sorkin, and how the role inspires him.

[@nickstarkey]

i love how this cast always seemed like family. RIP to Mr. Spencer

[@smugandsmarmy]

RIP John Spencer, you’re dearly and sorely missed. ♥️

[@Lmpeak]

“I wanted to do to hour drama for the rest of my life if it’s this hour drama” … RIP John, we’re all glad you did This hour drama

[@katledesma2744]

That got me too🥺. His performance as Leo and West Wing in general will always be the golden standard for political drama. He showed such skill portraying such vulnerability with such wisdom. After the attempt on Trump, everyone was talking about the Secret Service taking Trump away and I instantly heard his quote “your feet may touch the ground a few times but I doubt it”

[@DavisHannah11]

Allison Janney munching on her goldfish as John Spencer talks is the most CJ Cregg thing I've ever seen.

[@mikeh720]

How prophetic was that comment 😢 And then the encouraging fist bump from Rob to John's elbow at the very end. Must be time for yet another re-watch

[@viewfromthehighchair9391]

I was thinking the same thing when I heard him say it.

[@edscott2433]

I can't watch the first season. Too much Mandy (not her fault. Her character was awful.)

[@taylorcostello7913]

I can never get enough of hearing John Spencer speak. In some respects, Leo is the center of the show's universe, and the casting of the role reflects that.

[@SonyS77]

John Spencer got sober in 1989 and Rob Lowe gave up alcohol in 1990.
Kudos to them and anyone who stays sober (especially in the entertainment industry.)

[@Dewebje]

Actually, you can say that Leo was the grandfather of the cast. He was the one who brought everyone together including Bartlett and made him (in a way) president. So when Bartlett is the father... .
And Charlie was the Benjamin of they're family.
Anyhow, wonderfull to see how Spencer talks about his role.

[@anonymous91877]

John stated in this clip he wanted to do hour long shows for the rest of his life if it was this show... And it literally was for the rest of his life.

He did do it for the rest of his life, and what a life!

[@arnoldchristine2020]

I love the tap Rob gives John at the end.

[@joemedley195]

The thumbs I just gave was for John Spencer, not the channel.

[@edscott2433]

As he'd hoped, Spencer ended up doing this hour-long drama for the rest of his life.

[@Thinkythinkerton]

We hardly knew you.🥹

[@blackcat4859]

Why do they always have to say that everyone they work with is just incredible....

[@timweaver7826]

John was perfect as Leo.