NBC: No Plan for Handling John Spencer's Death - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Janice · 12-19-2005, 10:11 PM

NBC: No Plan for Handling Spencer's Death

NEW YORK (AP) - Writers on "The West Wing" aren't expected to begin grappling with how to deal with actor John Spencer's death until after the holidays - and the production and program schedule affords them extra time to do so.

Spencer, 58, who played former White House chief of staff and now vice presidential candidate Leo McGarry in the political drama, died of a heart attack on Friday.

Because there are five episodes of the Emmy-winning drama already filmed, staff members need not begin discussing how Spencer's death will be addressed on the show until production meetings start again in two weeks, said a spokeswoman for Warner Bros. Television. A phone call to Lawrence O'Donnell, one of the show's executive producers, was not immediately returned on Monday.

Also, the show airs no new episodes until Jan. 8, with the last of the completed episodes not scheduled to air until March 19, due to the Winter Olympics and other specials, NBC said.

Spencer is featured in two of the unaired episodes. The show scheduled for Jan. 8 includes a debate between vice presidential candidates, including Spencer.

The entire season is built upon a presidential campaign featuring actors Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits, and Warner Bros. hasn't filmed the results of the election yet.

The lives of actor Spencer and character McGarry had odd similarities. Both were recovering alcoholics; McGarry was forced to give up his White House job because of a heart attack.

NBC hasn't announced a decision on whether "The West Wing" will return after this season. Given declining ratings since its move to Sunday nights, its prospects are not promising.

missjohnR · 12-20-2005, 11:45 AM

I kinda knew that would happen. Plus the cast is still in morning over his death that they don't want to think about how to deal with his death. I also know that the west wing might come to an end this season.

I know that Stockard Channing was at his side when he passed. Some actors like Dule Hill believe this will be the last even though that John is gone the ratings hasn't been that good since moving to Sunday nights.

12-19-2005, 10:11 PM	#1
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	NBC: No Plan for Handling John Spencer's Death NBC: No Plan for Handling Spencer's Death NEW YORK (AP) - Writers on "The West Wing" aren't expected to begin grappling with how to deal with actor John Spencer's death until after the holidays - and the production and program schedule affords them extra time to do so. Spencer, 58, who played former White House chief of staff and now vice presidential candidate Leo McGarry in the political drama, died of a heart attack on Friday. Because there are five episodes of the Emmy-winning drama already filmed, staff members need not begin discussing how Spencer's death will be addressed on the show until production meetings start again in two weeks, said a spokeswoman for Warner Bros. Television. A phone call to Lawrence O'Donnell, one of the show's executive producers, was not immediately returned on Monday. Also, the show airs no new episodes until Jan. 8, with the last of the completed episodes not scheduled to air until March 19, due to the Winter Olympics and other specials, NBC said. Spencer is featured in two of the unaired episodes. The show scheduled for Jan. 8 includes a debate between vice presidential candidates, including Spencer. The entire season is built upon a presidential campaign featuring actors Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits, and Warner Bros. hasn't filmed the results of the election yet. The lives of actor Spencer and character McGarry had odd similarities. Both were recovering alcoholics; McGarry was forced to give up his White House job because of a heart attack. NBC hasn't announced a decision on whether "The West Wing" will return after this season. Given declining ratings since its move to Sunday nights, its prospects are not promising.

12-20-2005, 11:45 AM	#2
missjohnR KELLIE PICKLER IS #1 Frequent Poster Join Date: May 06, 2005 Location: Somewhere in the East where alot of people NEVER heard of. Posts: 434	I kinda knew that would happen. Plus the cast is still in morning over his death that they don't want to think about how to deal with his death. I also know that the west wing might come to an end this season. I know that Stockard Channing was at his side when he passed. Some actors like Dule Hill believe this will be the last even though that John is gone the ratings hasn't been that good since moving to Sunday nights.
	__________________ I am a Pollyanna and Proud of it. Kellie Pickler will always be number one. She is the TRUE American Idol. She proved it on Wednesday night.