Why The West Wing Killed Leo McGarry In Season 7

Leo McGarry appears in The West Wing‘s pilot episode and plays a prominent role as President Bartlet’s Chief of Staff until his season 7 death. While Leo’s death comes as a shock to the characters on the show, the plot point takes inspiration from a real-life tragedy that befell actor John Spencer. That said, the loss was as deeply felt by the cast as it is by the characters in the series. After all, Leo McGarry is not only Bartlet’s Chief of Staff, but also the president’s best friend.