(19 December 2005 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: TV actor John Spencer who starred in The West Wing died of a heart attack at the age of 58. In India The West Wing airs on Zee Cafe.

NBC and Warner Bros. Television issued a joint statement saying, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend John Spencer. John was a remarkable man with enormous talent and beloved by everyone who had the privilege of working with him on The West Wing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this most difficult time. He will be greatly missed."

Spencer died after being admitted to a Los Angeles hospital a few nights ago. The West Wing executive producer John Wells said, "John was a wonderful actor, a pleasure to work with and a true gentleman, but most importantly, a generous and gracious friend. He will be missed by everyone who ever had the great fortune to know him."

The character actor is perhaps best known for his role as Chief of Staff Leo McGarry on The West Wing. His work on the show was rewarded with an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2002 and nominations in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004. He also has a Golden Globe nomination under his belt for his role as Leo. Earlier noted work includes his portrayal of the quirky and charismatic New York attorney Tommy Mullaney on L.A. Law.