Leo McGarry's funeral in The West Wing without any background music. There are other videos of this on youtube but they all have some song in the background and I hate youtube videos with music in the background. I like this video because it has alot of reoccuring characters make cameo appearances, but I was dissapointed to see that Lord John Marbory wasn't there. Season 7 Episode 18.
"It was an empty casket, but it wasn't an empty casket." - Dulé Hill
The greatest honor they paid to the late John Spencer was keeping his name in the opening credits even after his passing, right up to the finale.
I had heard that they also continued to pay his family his salary until the show finished also. And why not because they made a ton of money off of the show a John was a big part of it, so a much deserved thanks to his family.
WoW I never realized that, thank you for pointing it out!
@@rabbit251 it is nice to hear that. Spencer was the rock of the show (no pun intended). A very serious and gritty character. I can't imagine anyone else but Spencer playing that role.
As they should have. It is sad he died. His death caused the rewriting of some episodes since he was such an integral character.
Who would they have paid? He didn't have any kids or wasn't married.@@rabbit251
Toby, who by that point had been fired for his actions still went to Leo's funeral because the man meant that much to him.
Sheen's acting here is impeccable it's one of the few times they make him seen old, the loss of his friend is excellently conveyed
That is definitely not acting. It's real emotion at a friend's death.
Even now some 13 years later I still get emotional watching this. This was the best send-off for an actual actor that any television show has ever done
James Rawlins I think this is either the second or the third time I’ve seen this because it hurts too much.
I agree. The other time I've felt that way was the series finale of Golden Girls. If you watch it, Dorothy (Bea) is saying her goodbye as a character, but all the words fit as if they were meant for her fellow actors (i.e. Rue, Betty, and Estelle).
@@JavierArveloCruzSantana I'm not sure I agree with you about Golden Girls. It's been well reported that Bea didn't really get along with the other actresses on the show. She also was never really thrilled about all the cracks that the show made about Dorothy (Bea's character) - she definitely felt they were "Dorothy bashing", about her size and even insinuating she was less than attractive. One of the things that irritated Bea was when Betty would go and chat with the audience - not just because Bea was kind of a private person but she believed that until the end of the day one should stay in character. Bea also came from a more theatrical background and sometimes had the impression that she was "superior" to the others in terms of acting - which really upset her when Betty won the Emmy in 1986 (the first cast member to win one - although all four ladies would eventually take home a statue). Ironically Arthur and White were friends before the show (she refused to go to lunch with McClanahan unless White was also there) but that friendship seemed to decline as the show went on. Her son did admit that his mom was kind of a loner who bristled at the fun energy the other cast had. I do think that Bea's final speech at the end was her acting ability - letting Dorothy say goodbye to both the other characters and the show's audience - but she was ready to leave by her final season, mainly because the shows quality had declined significantly by the end.
This is the forst time i ves seen this(Im working my way through reruns). and Im crying
@@jamesrawlins735 As a late-diagnosed woman with autism, I see it 100% in Bea. That, would explain a lot.
It was a funeral for Leo and a memorial for John Spencer at the same time.
Before watching this episode for the first time, I found out that John Spencer passed away. Watching it I was crying my eyes out, but also realizing that many, if not all, of the actors were not acting this scene. These were genuine expressions of loss and every time I see this, I still cry my eyes out, because like you stated, it's a funeral and a memorial.
Hard still.
May he rest in peace
While I never agreed with half the politics..from Spencer to Lowe...it was some of thee greatest acting on a TV show you may ever see...hell i cried knowing the last episode was THE LAST
A lot of actors came back just for single shots. Shows how much they loved John Spencer.
No Sam
Yeah. Emily Procter who hadn't been on the show in years, for example.
Including Tim Matheson as Hoynes, who then directed one of the show's final episodes.
@@mitchand9 prob due to his conflict, with the producer i would imagine, but sure he would of wanted to be there
they got paid for the single shot segment and it is a recent close up, a portfolio upgrade....BUT nice try!!! many of those actors were studio place holders .... waiting for parts to come up!
This must have been so difficult for everyone involved in "West Wing". They weren't just burying a cast character; they were burying a friend. John Spencer was a wonderful actor. His body of work speaks for itself. RIP- Dear Sir.
When a president is your pallbearer, you were somebody.
When a president & a president-elect are your pallbearers, you sure is heck were somebody….
1 president, president-elect
You can see no one was acting in this scene. It was all real, in its own way it was beautiful.
I'm sure all those tears were real
I watched The West Wing full movie here twitter.com/daa393ad87e3311ab/status/824453233552748544
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This is the way.
Leo was a one heckva Chief of Staff but more importantly he was one hell of a friend to Millions!
the genius of this programme is shown in the very subtle ways that Abby Bartlett periodically glances at her husband, knowing the pain he is going through. Understated, realistic, and powerful.
Stockard Channing did a great job in her role. Good actor.
Knowing John Spencer died in real life, this was simply heart breaking.
pac401 yes indeed 😢😢
I watched West Wing for the first time after it was off the air, around 2010 or 2011. My friend watched the whole series for the first time last year. He texted me after watching the Election Day episode “Why did they decide to kill off Leo?” I had to explain that John Spencer passed in real life. He was heartbroken.
He may have passed in real life and had a real funeral but I think this was exceptionally respectful for his character
Yes, it was/is.
I wasn't aware are until the episode ended and I was already in floods of tears
I look at this scene and I can't help but notice that Charlie is right behind the President. There is no way Jed could carry as much as the others, but I just know that Charlie is there holding up a little bit more for him without a word.
I've been a pall bearer twice. It's not as heavy as it might seem. It's a little awkward depending on where you are. It's more grueling if you have to go very far because you're taking short steps and simple maneuvers take time.
It is impossible to have watched the West Wing and not to shed a tear while watching this. Long live John Spencer and The West Wing.
I always thought Lord John Marbury should have been there.
Gerald!!!!!
We’ve met several times.
Well, as you know, he's exceedingly stupid.
Once he met the New Gerald, he simply forgot about the Old Gerald.
sorry about the Loss of your Butler......
Margaret should have had a bigger presence in this one. Leo and her made quite the oddly endearing team! And Sam should have been there too. RIP John Spencer.
They gave Mallory quite a bit of coverage too.
Once in a while when actors are performing a scene, it's no longer a performance. Emotions were real here.
This must have been one of the hardest collection of scenes to film for all of the actors who worked with John Spencer. While yes, they were playing characters in a tv series, they are - at the core, and first among all else - humans. These actors *weren't* acting in these scenes - they were channeling their own respective, human grief into their characters, letting their performance/s speak for themselves....each being their own eulogy to John. I remember vividly when I heard that John Spencer (a truly fantastic, deeply humble actor and student of his craft) passed. All of my West Wing-fan friends were completely pulverized by his passing. When we got together to watch this episode, we were all in tears. As was the case with many of the endings of the show, none of us could speak. Years later, watching the series again (which I own) and watching scenes like this, they still move me to tears and make me think about the value of human life - how we have a very specific amount of time on this earth, of which we know not it's length. We each have so much to offer, to do, to share and to learn - with every life being a precious biography. This whole (tragically real) episode of John Spencer's/Leo's passing reminds us all of how short life is, and how it can end, seemingly so randomly, and without warning, with the snap of our fin......
there should have been a lot more Margaret in the scene.
Seriously
I was a secretary for a long time. You know a lot about your boss. In this instance, yes, of course, Margaret should have been in the final scenes.
Yes
Absolutely should have been.
Agreed
The way that this scene is executed is absolutely brilliant. The camerawork alone is astounding, with its usage of quick cuts and shifting focus that captures the reactions of people that the viewer has encountered along the journey of this show. And I say "people" because it isn't clear if these are performances by the actors as their characters reacting to the death of Leo or if what is seen is the the genuine reactions of the actors to the death of John. In a way, it's kind of both, and that invites the viewers to join the cast, who they have spent the last six seasons building a sense of connection with, in grieving the loss of John Spencer. And it's all hypnotically set to the pace and rhythm of the eulogy, which is flawlessly delivered by Mitchell Edmonds as Bishop Campbell.
Thank you West Wing for putting on this scene, so all John's fans could mourn with you.
Heartfelt moment when "Josh" puts a comforting hand on Martin Sheen/Jed's shoulder. Whether it was scripted or just part of the moment between the actors, it's genuine. Love the close-up on Martin as he's helping to carry the casket -- you can see the grief over John's death on his face. Jed lost his best friend.
Notice, Josh is calling the pall bearers. Not Jed.
@@heisdeadjim Yeah I did notice that. I imagine that's because Jed, in that moment, was not the President ... just a guy mourning his best friend. The head is also the heaviest part of the casket so, traditionally, the pallbearers at that part are the strongest. Jed wasn't in the best health, so Josh would be doing most of the lifting at that part. It's moving that in this scene Jed is quiet and Josh takes the literal and figurative weight upon himself.
@@Scrappy527 Traditionally, the body is carried feet first. Leo's casket was carried head first (under the stars). That seemed like an important detail for the show to get right.
I have seen every episode of every season of The West Wing at least half a dozen times and Leo's funeral and that of Mrs. Landingham, with the President railing at God in the foyer always, always bring me to tears. This show made one feel connected to each character more then any other shows that I have loved.
Alwayssunshine totally agree with you.
That was an amazing scene
I’m watching through it for the first time and I cried at both moments.
I didn't like that scene, since Bartlett made it all about him, and not about Mrs Landingham.
RIP John Spencer. You were one of my favorite characters in this series. Thank you for some incredibly fine acting and for the hours of entertainment you provided. You have in these clips and the repeats of this series a fitting tribute to your life and accomplishments.
To whom are you speaking? Spencer is DEAD.
@@plucas9324 I'm quite well aware of the fact that John Spencer passed away while starring in the series, as perhaps a slightly more careful reading of my comments would/should reveal. The simple "RIP John Spencer" as opposed to "RIP Leo McGarry" might have given you a vague clue. I was addressing his memory. Hope that doesn't offend you.
@@Traveler19491 It doesn't offend me--I find it amusing that you are addressing a dead person as though he were alive. It's one of the silliest affectations of social behavior in the last 50 years.
Im crying at this.because its a man, an actor i never knew or a fictional character. Its because i lost people i care about and its them Im crying for.. One day you may have people you mourn too . Then you will understand
Martin Sheen's face at the end of this is just heartbreaking. So GLAD they cast him as the President!
Did you know that Martin Sheen /the President was not supposed to be a regular character on The West Wing? He was only supposed to be in for a few episodes and the show is supposed to be about staffers. And rob Lowe was told he was cast at the the lead. Again tomorrow respect from him after I heard of that about that, Since he never made a Publix stink about it. But anyway it's seems shine was so perfect and the team was so perfect well We all know what happened. Also, I just heard Aaron Sorkin say he was talking with other executives and said he wanted "A John Spencer type" for Leo. They said why not get John Spencer, and he said wiwe'll never get him. Thank God they were wrong! I need a tissue
@@ellenw391 Yes I did know that. I heard they were talking about Sydney Poitier for the President at one point. So glad they got Martin Sheen, he is a special actor.
I’m glad they had him assist in the lifting of the casket
Leo was the best Chief of Staff that this country has ever had.
Agree
Even though he was fictional I totally agree
R.I.P. John Spencer You are missed.
this is the most beautifully filmed part of the most beautifully filmed television show that has been. from the human moment of a president's trousers being lifted as he braced the coffin, to the music of sorrow, to the sweeping but respectful angles, to the backdrop of the national cathedral and finally the merging of sermon and expressions that cannot be acted ... heartbreaking art.
RIP John Spencer (December 20, 1946 - December 16, 2005), aged 58 You will be remembered as a legend.
Very difficult to watch as the sadness conveyed by the characters and the actors seems to merge. They were mourning John and Leo at the same time.
Martin Sheen is genuinely heartbroken over the death of John Spencer and watching him as President Bartlet mourn the death of Leo McGarry is proof the loss was/is profound.
There is zero acting here. John was a heavyweight. A good man and terrific actor.
Aw man , the look on the presidents face at the end..........just kills me every time.
the love between the entire ensemble was the thing that made this iconic show extra special
West Wing was the greatest drama. This was sad when John passed away, but the tribute to him was the best
We loved them, everyone of them. Everyone. But Leo had a special place in our heart for he was smart, class-act, decent, honest and an alcohol maverick. So John Spencer. We salute you.
Best series ever and one of the most powerful and emotional moments ever
Still heart breaking,over a decade later. Just listens to this episode new years day on Sirius.
Josh. Toby. Sam. Bartlett. Charlie. Santos. Best pallbearers ever.
I LOVE this scene, as well as the wonderfully poignant moment later on when President Bartlett gives Margaret a big hug and tells her how Leo "loved you so much." He and Margaret had a wonderful relationship.
Perfection. I came back to this scene after the topic of handling an actor's untimely passing on a TV show became popular in the last week considering Cory Monteith and Glee. They really did a great tribute to John Spencer and I love that they got so many people back to honor him and his character. The only one missing is Sam!
That was a fabulous performance by the actor who played the bishop. Hit all the right notes - I got a strong sense of who the bishop was. All in one scene, he projected a strong character. Brilliant work.
I'm irreligious, and even I would want the Bishop here to be at my funeral.
It felt so real. John Spencer was a fine actor and suited well to the West Wing.
John Spenser - a Giant of a man and actor - He played such a pivotal role in one of the best television series of all time. I loved Leo and his unique relationship with Pres. Bartlett and each of the actors that crossed his path. I will watch reruns of West Wing as long as such an opportunity presents itself, and remember always "Bartlet for America"
The West Wing, Season 7 - Episode 18: Requiem The state funeral of Leo McGarry at Washington National Cathedral and Arlington National Cemetery. The character died because the actor John Spencer died of a heart attack in real life during the production of this show on NBC in 2005. Farewell, John. You've been a great actor, and we'll miss you so much.
Their tears must have been real because they actually lost a friend and it must have been so hard to film that scene! I miss this show. R.I.P John Spencer
probably the hardest scene any of the actors had to do...
It had to have been so painful and emotional filming this scene.
Yes, his face at the end is heartbreaking. To me, that face was really Martin Sheen, not President Bartlett...if that makes any sense. It is the face of someone who realizes that this is really goodbye. This is truly the end. This is the last time they'll be with their loved one or friend. I've experienced that moment in my life, and watched others experience it. It's very distinctive. I don't really think you can act that out no matter how great of an actor you may be.
SO SAD.... never fails to make me cry... but i loved that everyone, the characters all came back for this moment, Leo's last moment and you can see that somehow he has impacted their lives.
Everyone but Rob Lowe as Sam! Major and inexcusable faux pas on his part.
Wonder: I guess I don't think Martin's responses were timed out for a camera. All you had to do was "shoot" and his reactions were there. This was a DEARLY LOVED friend not a professional person they were supposed to "care" about
So miss West Wing.
Just attended a very sad funeral this week. Catholic, so I definitely recognized some elements. I also referred to Mark Greene's funeral scene from ER and realized the late John Aylward was in both.
The wording, and the clerical vestments, we're from an Anglican funeral. The producers screwed up, given that Leo was meant to be a Catholic.
Watched this episode when going through the series on Netflix for the first time all the way through. I bawled like a baby even though I knew it was coming. RIP John, you were amazing.
Why can't they make shows like this again?!
For the same reason Sorkin had to stop doing The Newsroom.
Madam Secretary is not bad. But not the same calibre as WW.
This is exactly how I wanted to view this. Thank you for the upload.
Saddest moment in television history. Must admit, it was done beautifully. With the music, to everyone dressing for the funeral. Thank you, John Spencer. And RIP, Leo. ♥️
You missed Archie Bunker breaking down over Edith.
It's the little details that most of us love The West Wing for. Like Josh wearing Leo's wrist watch that he picks up from his hotel room earlier.
You know a character has lived an amazing life when the both the President and the President-Elect of the United States act as pall-bearers at his funeral.
the only boxed set of any tv show worth buying....didn't think any scene could top Two Cathedrals but this does.
You are so right. I loved how Bartlet actually bowed before Leo's coffin. Never noticed that before.
M. Padilla He wasn't bowing before Leo's coffin specifically, he was bowing before the altar, it's a Catholic tradition to do so when you approach the altar
Deane Flaherty Ah good catch!
Deane Flaherty Sheen is a devout Catholic. He would know the drill. One of the things that made his rant in The Two Cathedrals episode so intense. I would image that like most devout believers, Sheen has had moments like that. Further, that rage was also directed at Daddy Dearest.
From what I have been told, the service was Episcopalian. Notice that Bartlet didn't feel compelled to make the sign of the cross, because (I believe) he wasn't in a Catholic church or cathedral.
The best part(if there can be one) is that I do believe that that was honest emotion-even though it was probably film more than a few months after his actual death. You cant fake that will all those people.
I agree. I put something up top in comments about there are a couple of scenes that are too intense to be too "fake" in my opinion. ya know? avoidance of eye contact etc at several places. They were probably DYING on the inside
The scene was filmed within about a month of his death. John died at Christmas and this episode aired in April so it would have had to be shot around late Jan/Early Feb.
Wow.... That's a powerful tribute, not only to Leo McGarry, a man who served his country for 40+ years, but to John Spenser, the wonderful actor who played him, and really died... The actors weren't just acting... This opening scene shows genuine grief and devastation from all his friends & co-workers....
I like how Josh had his hand on President Bartlett’s shoulder as they were walking up to the casket. Very brief, but it shows the father-son relationship they had. A small moment with large meaning.
Great they brought back Ainsley for this scene at 2:25
The realism comes through in the acting because they are mourning the actor as well as the character...
One of the greatest, if not THE greatest show ever to grace the television screen. Every actor, every moment of this show was a wonderful example of the grace, positive influence, well acted ability of men and women who wanted to keep the standards high. I have watched the re-runs of this show and will continue to do so as long as I am able. Shoot...I am still waiting for Bartlett to run for President! Thank you all for providing such a feast for the eyes and ears. Sincerely..........
"John, we hardly new you". Martin Sheen
I've only begun watching clips of this TV series but by just watching these clips, I've come to realize that every single comment regarding this show is absolutely true. What an amazing TV show, and it truly shows what the US Presidency looks like. John Spencer's character is my favorite because of the beautiful friendship he's had with Jed Bartlet. Both Jed Bartlet and Leo McGarry's friendship sort of reminds me of Barack and Joe.
Without a doubt,the best written and best directed show.
This could not have been an easy scene to film.... 💔
Some of us loved John Spencer all the way back to his days on LA Law. In fact, he was so good in that series I had a hard time adjusting to him playing Leo in The West Wing. A tribute to his acting. My fault, not his.
1:46 There's a moment where Jimmy Smits is in tears and that reminded me he also starred with John on LA Law prior to West Wing.
The rare moment when fiction and reality intertwined into high emotional drama.
I do not know how they got through this ...John Spencer was loved by all of them ...he was a kind and wonderful man. You can see the emotion in all the actors , what a lovely tribute to the man,
Jed looks like he is physically crushed by sorrow, pain, and loss. Martin Sheen is amazing. This was such a sad episode.
This is a terribly hard scene to watch although spectacularly done. Leo Was my favorite Character. I even named my cat Leo. Ironically he came after I had just finished a trip to Washington DC on business in real life and when my mom asked me what we should call him I simply said Leo. She didn’t ask why she knew. There will never be another television show like the West Wing as well written as the West Wing. Newsroom came close, As did sports night. But there wasn’t before and has there been since a television series that could touch the greatness of the West Wing.
I’ve never Been able to watch this episode before...but here it goes
The fact that this scene was necessary because John Spencer, who played Leo, actually died, makes this doubly heartbreaking as we say goodbye to a beloved character and man.
I agree with the many observations. This show always met, and surpassed the bar in every way, especially the writing. Although I was proud to see that for this scene, they relied entirely on the burial service quoted directly from The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church, and in the order in which appears in the liturgy. The only glitch was the final statement, "...and into the glorious company of the saints in life." The actual text is "saints in light." Other than that, beautifully done.
The fact that we all return to this clip show the impact of this show, this scene, and John Spencer himself.
This is so heartbreaking to watch. West Wing is my all time favorite. I purchased the complete series on cds many years ago. It's one of my treasures.
Leo was a Vietnam veteran I cried through this hole thing
HLN network marathoned West Wing over the New Year's holiday. What incredible writing, acting and attention to detail. I miss this show and more so the intelligence of it. What a holiday gift this was over the past weekend.
What a star-studded cast this was!
Such a powerful powerful scene to represent the importance of not just the character who the show basically centered around but John Spencer who died suddenly .. The President being a pall bearer..and the frustration if you look at Toby being unable to be Pall bearer because of his legal issues though you can tell from his rocking he is frustrated..just an incredible scene and a beautiful series
I think you meant Toby in the second sentence.
@@dr.davidenglish778 your correct
The emotion, the seriousness, of these opening scenes imho reveals how much his co-stars “ loved” and respected John Spencer. Again my opinion, this part of the show gave his friends, his colleagues, the chance to show their feelings for him. I suspect that some of the tears were genuine. RIP.
I always have felt, and still feel, that when the Priest says Leo, there has to be at least one take when he says John and they let it roll. Like most everyone had said, there was no acting. This was a genuine response on the passing of the actor John Spencer and the character of Leo. Rest In Peace Good Sir
I watched this scene for the first time today and cried so much, because Leo is my favourite character on this show, and because everyone that I could think of was there. He was so loved. 💔
I wonder how much Emotion in this scene actually came from the death of John Spencer, one of the best Characters in the show and best actor
A beautiful way to honor this man on the show and in life May he Rest In Peace
Always loved John Spencer’s acceptance speech after the 3rd season. He said he was just glad to get the next gig. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
I don't know how they got through this. It would be bad enough to act for a fake funeral, but this was real.
I didn't even know Dr Anspa even knew Leo!
A true face of sorrow from a friend.
I still miss him!
The most real scene ever shot because its real love and real loss Rip John Spencer
Humans do love their ceremony. This was nicely done. Without Leo...there is no President Bartlett.
Rest In Peace Brother
2:25 and i mean this whole scene is emotional but after listening to West Wing Weekly with Emily Procter talking about how much John helped her when she first came onto the show (at one stage he set up an "obstacle course" around his pool to help her learn the walk and talk scenes) i am just happy she was back to say goodbye to him even if it was one shot.
It was nice to re-watch this. Last time I saw it was when it aired. I think I was crying to much to actually notice any of the details.
This is so touching, I never thought I'd see the leader of the free world, even in a fiction, do this last honor to a servant of the country and a friend, too. I cannot imagine my country's leadership do something like it.
doubt they would
Uh this video won't stop showing up in the suggestions list. I watch it every time and that's when the day ends for me. :(
***** I know...I can't stop. The tears will still flow 50 years from now. Just those two seconds of Hoynes kills me.
Just watched this for first time and now its got to me too. I don't think anyone needed to act in that scene...it was all real emotion for John.