John Spencer Biography
John Spencer (December 20, 1946 – December 16, 2005) was an American actor. He first gained recognition for his captivating performances on Broadway, particularly in The Great White Hope (1969). Spencer transitioned to film, showcasing his versatility in movies like The Rock (1996) and The Negotiator (1998). On television, Spencer had one of his first on-screen roles in The Patty Duke Show, and later became known as a main cast member on L.
A. Law starting in its fifth season. His portrayal of White House Chief of Staff Leo McGarry on The West Wing (1999-2006) brought widespread acclaim, earning him five Emmy Award nominations, including a win in 2002. Spencer passed away on December 16, 2005, at the age of 58.
Show More
John Spencer Movies
John Spencer TV Shows
John Spencer Quotes
Trust and Redemption in Uncertain Times
John Mason:
So what do you have in store for me, Womack, when this is over?
FBI Director James Womack:
You'll get your life back, Mason.
Mason: [walks away, but turns back to Womack]
But you could have given my life back years ago. Why should I trust you now?
Womack:
You've got my word.
Mason: [Womack nods. Both men shake hands but Mason attaches a rope on Womack's hand and throws him off the balcony.]
Will you shake on it?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Tensions Rise Among Military Leadership
General Al Kramer:
Frank, it's Al Kramer.
BG Francis Hummel: [chomps a cigar]
Hi, Al, how you doin'?
Kramer:
I don't know, Frank. Ah, why don't you tell me. Got a lot of very, very worried people here, Frank.
Hummel: [[w:United_States_Marine_Corps_Force_Reconnaissance|Force Reconnaissance Marines]
I'll come straight to the point. Eighty-three ] have died under my various commands. Forty-seven in northern Laos and southern China.
White House Chief of Staff Hayden Sinclair:
Southern China? We never admitted we sent troops into China.
Hummel:
Who is this? Identify yourself.
Sinclair:
White House Chief of Staff Hayden Sinclair, General.
Hummel: [stands up]
How old are you, Chief of Staff Sinclair?
Sinclair:
I'm 33-
Hummel:
Well, Mr. Sinclair, you've probably got no fucking idea what I'm talking about. By your ninth birthday, I was running black ops into China. My men were responsible for over 200 enemy kills. Now put some rigging tape over Mr. Sinclair's mouth, he's wasting my time!
Kramer:
Ah you want to continue, Frank?
Hummel:
Remember Operation Desert Storm? Those surgical hits made by our smart bombs, covered so well on CNN? It was my men on the ground that made those hits possible by lasing the targets. Twenty of them were left to rot outside Baghdad after the conflict ended. No benefits were paid to their families. No medals conferred. These men died for their country and they weren't even given a goddamn military burial. This situation is unacceptable. You will transfer 100 million dollars from the Grand Cayman Red Sea Trading Company account to an account I designate. From these funds, reparations of $1 million will be paid to each of the 83 Marines families. The rest of the funds, I will disperse at my discretion. Do I make myself clear?
FBI Director James Womack:
Except for the Red Sea Trading Company. What is that?
Hummel:
Identify yourself.
Womack:
This is FBI Director Womack, General.
Hummel:
It's a slush fund where the Pentagon keeps proceeds from illegal arms sales-
Kramer:
Jesus, Frank! This is classified information!
Hummel: [disconnects video call]
You alert the media, I launch the gas. You refuse payment, I launch the gas. You've got 40 hours, till noon day after tomorrow to arrange transfer of the money. I am aware of your countermeasure. You know, and I know, it doesn't stand a chance. Hummel from Alcatraz. Out.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
