The West Wing is broadly thought of probably the greatest tv dramas concerning the political panorama in America. It stays one in all Aaron Sorkin’s best tasks, and the present’s high quality hardly ever dipped all through its seven-season run. The acclaimed present follows Democratic United States President Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen) and his tenure as a two-term president, specializing in the work performed within the White Home as his cupboard ran the nation every day whereas avoiding attacking both aspect of the political spectrum.
The collection was an enormous success, profitable a then-record 9 Emmy wins for its first season and profitable Excellent Drama Collection in 4 consecutive seasons. Since The West Wing‘s seven seasons comply with greater than eight years (three totally different presidential phrases within the present’s fictional world), there can be loads of modifications within the solid, together with notable departures from staple actors like Rob Lowe. This was very true after Aaron Sorkin left the collection after which towards the top, when a number of the solid departed as rankings dropped. And a few characters appeared to vanish with out an evidence.
Mandy Hampton
Performed By Moira Kelly
Mandy is the paradigm of disappeared The West Wing characters, a lot in order that the trope of disappearing characters (aka going to “Mandyville”) is called after her. Moira Kelly starred solely within the first season as Mandy Hampton, a political guide for President Bartlett. Her recruitment to work for the Bartlett administration is a vital storyline originally of the collection, however when season 2 arrives, she is nowhere to be seen. She is rarely referenced once more over the following six seasons.
Moira is a terrific actress, however we simply weren’t the proper factor for her“
It was probably meant to have her and Josh enter a romantic relationship, however Sorkin determined the character simply wasn’t the proper match for the collection. Sorkin commented on Kelly’s abrupt exit from The West Wing, saying:
“Moira is a terrific actress, however we simply weren’t the proper factor for her. She expressed that she felt the identical method, and because of this, story strains hadn’t been invested in that character as a result of we knew that on the finish of the yr, we might be shaking fingers and parting firm.“
Whereas Mandy by no means returned to The West Wing after season 1, Kelly has maintained a profitable appearing profession following her time on the present. A couple of years after leaving The West Wing, she discovered one in all her most well-known tv roles, taking part in Karen Roe in One Tree Hill. She additionally appeared in a recurring function on The Resident and most just lately appeared within the motion collection Citadel.
Sam Seaborn
Performed By Rob Lowe
Whereas Mandyville is house to a number of supporting characters, one foundational fundamental West Wing character can also be a resident. Rob Lowe was a part of the primary solid for the primary 4 seasons. He performed Sam Seaborn, the Deputy White Home Communications Director, however Lowe left The West Wing because the character grew to become much less vital. Not like Mandy, Sam at the least acquired higher remedy in explaining how he would depart, however there have been some cracks within the logic and execution.
Sam unexpectedly launched a marketing campaign for Congress in California, and it was closely implied that he would lose and thus return to the White Home. Nevertheless, that didn’t occur. He was changed by Joshua Malina’s Will Bailey and never heard from once more till the top of the collection, when he was recruited to grow to be Deputy White Home Chief of Employees for President Santos. It’s not unusual that Sam left, however it was bizarre that his existence hadn’t been acknowledged for years.
Whereas there was discuss of behind-the-scenes pressure when it got here to Lowe’s exit from The West Wing in season 4, Sam returned for 2 episodes in season 7, together with the collection finale. Lowe was already an enormous star by the point he joined The West Wing and his profession continued sturdy after leaving. He starred within the collection Brother & Sisters as Robert McCallister and is probably going greatest referred to as Chris Traeger on Parks and Recreation. He just lately wrapped up his time on two collection, the comedy Unstable and the drama 9-1-1: Lone Star.
Ainsley Hayes
Performed By Emily Procter
Sadly, it appears that evidently the complete White Home Counsel’s workplace grew to become residents of Mandyville. Ainsley Hayes, performed by Emily Procter, was an thrilling addition to the collection in season 2, and it appeared like she might be there to remain. She was extremely charismatic and charming, and as a conservative within the White Home, she would’ve enhanced the political discourse – plus, she had reference to Sam. However, she vanished in season 3.
Like Sam, Ainsley additionally returned briefly within the ultimate season, taking on the place of White Home Counsel for the Santos administration. She was additionally barely referenced following her departure, which wasn’t defined. Nevertheless, this was seemingly on account of Procter becoming a member of the primary solid of CSI: Miami. Had she stayed, she might’ve advanced past the poor remedy she initially acquired, which hasn’t aged effectively for The West Wing in at this time’s society.
Procter’s determination to hitch CSI: Miami proved to be a fruitful one as she ended up taking part in CSI Detective Calleigh Duquesne in 232 episodes of the collection. She additionally appeared in Huge Momma’s Home 2 and a few episodes of White Collar. Procter appears to have stepped away from the appearing world extra just lately, however her most up-to-date on-screen look allowed her to reunite along with her West Wing costars for the particular A West Wing Particular to Profit When We All Vote.
Oliver Babbish
Performed By Oliver Platt
Oliver Babish (Oliver Platt) served as the primary White Home Counsel for the collection. He was the fifth individual to serve in that function beneath President Bartlett. Though he dropped off the map in season 3, it was nonetheless implied that he retained his place till the top of the Bartlett administration — and it was additionally implied that he grew to become the Lawyer Basic for President Santos.
Nevertheless, he disappeared till season 7 to take part within the White Home’s inner investigation into the army shuttle leak. Loads of authorized points earlier than this might’ve used his sharp wit and relentless diligence. The White Home Counsel’s workplace was naturally referenced often, however he was by no means featured. No matter his restricted appearances and later disappearance, Oliver Platt nonetheless acquired an Emmy nomination in 2001 for his West Wing function.
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The West Wing: 10 Greatest Characters Launched After Season 1
Over the seven years The West Wing ran on NBC, there have been many shifting and humorous characters, together with some who had been launched in later seasons.
Platt is an completed character actor whose profession continued going sturdy following his exit from The West Wing. He appeared in films like Frost/Nixon, 2012, and X-Males: First Class. His tv profession has additionally been prolific, with substantial roles on reveals like The Huge C, Fargo, and Chicago Med. He’s just lately greatest identified for his Emmy-nominated function as Uncle Jimmy within the solid of The Bear.
Joe Quincy
Performed By Matthew Perry
Following Ainsley as Affiliate White Home Counsel was a fellow Republican, Joe Quincy. He was performed by Associates’ Matthew Perry in a whole departure from his function because the humorous Chandler Bing, although Joe had some good comedic bits in The West Wing. Like Ainsley, Joe is a superb addition to the established solid and will’ve lasted long gone his quick run. His introduction was fairly enjoyable as Josh realized Joe Quincy was a Republican making use of to work for a Democratic president.
Joe was integral in revealing Vice President John Hoynes’ (Tim Matheson) extramarital affairs, forcing Hoynes to resign from his place of energy. He was again within the fifth season as a part of a storyline that noticed him negotiating the retirement of the ailing Chief Justice Roy Ashland (Milo O’Shea). Matthew Perry’s two West Wing storylines in two totally different seasons solely accounted for 3 whole episodes. Nevertheless, regardless of his lack of display time, Perry earned two Emmy nominations for his performances within the present.
Perry’s function in The West Wing was seemingly solely meant to be a small one as he was nonetheless engaged on Associates on the time, which led to 2004. Nevertheless, Perry rapidly returned to tv and began working with The West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin on his new collection Studio 60 on the Sundown Strip, which solely lasted one season. Perry’s different TV roles following this included The Good Spouse and The Odd Couple. Tragically, Perry handed away in 2023.
Jordon Kendall
Performed By Joanna Gleason
After President Bartlett revealed to the American public that he was recognized with a number of sclerosis, his Chief of Employees, Leo McGarry, was beneath excessive fireplace by political opponents for conserving the key. He employed Jordon Kendall (Joanna Gleason) as his lawyer. She helped counsel him for a time, although he nonetheless ended up appearing largely as he usually would. She was extremely succesful and clever, there to do job.
Nevertheless, Leo’s charisma and confidence wormed their method into her coronary heart. That they had a candy romantic relationship all through seasons 3 and 4. The President additionally reached out to her to get recommendation on methods to take care of Abdul Ibn Shareef’s assassination in “Faculty Children.” Nevertheless, Jordon ultimately disappeared with no hint, and season 4 was the final season she was seen on the present. She did not even seem at Leo’s funeral in season 7.
Gleason clearly made an influence that lasted a very long time as she was included as a key character within the collection finale of Aaron Sorkin’s later HBO collection The Newsroom. She additionally appeared on a variety of reveals in visitor roles, in addition to in plenty of films, together with Intercourse and the Metropolis, Final Vegas, and The Skeleton Twins.
Cliff Calley
Performed By Mark Feuerstein
Though the collection largely showcased a liberal point-of-view and painted conservatives as antagonists, a number of the greatest characters in The West Wing come from the Republican sphere. Ainsley and Joe are good examples, as is Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda), a terrific senator who might’ve made president. One other such character is Cliff Calley (Mark Feuerstein). In season 3, Cliff was launched because the Majority Counsel for the Home Authorities Reform and Oversight Committee.
The election plot within the ultimate season was the primary focus, so he doesn’t characteristic in any White Home segments
He briefly connects with Donna Moss (Janel Moloney) whereas investigating her. Not like his colleagues, he’s proven to be compassionate and honest, not letting social gathering ambitions dictate his job. He even helps Leo McGarry keep away from testifying by manufacturing a delay. He then disappeared with none clarification. He did return in season 6 and was employed as White Home Deputy Chief of Employees by CJ Craig. Nevertheless, the election plot within the ultimate season was the primary focus, so he doesn’t characteristic in any White Home segments.
Mark Feuerstein’s appearing profession has continued to be prolific since leaving The West Wing. He has starred in a variety of films, together with In Her Footwear and Defiance. He starred within the lead function of Dr. Hank Lawson on Royal Pains, and appeared on Nurse Jackie and The Child-Sitters Membership.
Cathy
Performed By Suzy Nakamura
There was a gentle rotation of White Home staffers all through The West Wing, however some had been extra constant, like Carol, CJ’s assistant, or Bonnie, Toby’s assistant. Cathy, the Assistant to Deputy Communications Director Sam Seaborn, didn’t final as lengthy. Like Mandy, she solely appeared in season 1. She was within the background for a number of episodes however by no means acquired main focus. The present did not give her a final title, and she or he did not do a lot, however Cathy remained a memorable face.
Had she stayed on The West Wing, she seemingly would’ve figured in the identical method as her fellow assistants. Suzy Nakamura referred to as The West Wing:
“The most effective pilot I had ever learn. I auditioned for 2 components, so after I acquired the decision that I used to be solid, I didn’t know who I’d be taking part in! On the first desk learn, Rob Lowe hadn’t been solid but, so (collection creator) Aaron Sorkin learn for him and I keep in mind pondering, ‘He’s fairly good.” (by way of Nichi Bei Information).
The West Wing was an early function for Nakamura, however she has continued working constantly since leaving the present. She appeared in small roles in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Evan Almighty, and Horrible Bosses 2. Most just lately, she popped up in Michael Keaton’s Know Goes Away. She additionally had recurring roles on Curb Your Enthusiasm, 8 Easy Guidelines, and The Goldbergs in addition to starring roles in Avenue 5 and Dr. Ken.
Gina Toscano
Performed By Jorja Fox
Every of President Bartlett’s daughters acquired their time within the highlight in The West Wing, however none greater than Zoe Bartlett, performed by The Handmaid’s Tales‘ Elisabeth Moss. Her story entails her relationship with Charlie Kelly, however her most impactful arc is when she is kidnapped in season 4. Jorja Fox was along with her for that trip as Gina Toscano, one in all Zoey’s Secret Service brokers. Forward of the dramatic kidnapping, it seemed like Gina might’ve been a constant recurring character.
Nevertheless, following her failure to guard Zoey, she didn’t reappear. There was no clarification for what occurred to Gina on The West Wing, however her final look was in a shootout, and it appeared she would play a distinguished function within the collection sooner or later. Whereas Gina’s abrupt exit was shocking, Fox left when she learn for and was solid in CSI. She stated Aaron Sorkin wished her one of the best and stated, “Good luck… if it is canceled, name me, and we’ll put you again on The West Wing” (by way of Collider).
In fact, CSI was not canceled and Fox ended up taking part in the function of Sara Sidle on the police procedural collection for almost 300 episodes. She additionally went on the reprise her function within the sequel collection, CSI: Vegas.
Lionel Tribbey
Performed By John Larroquette
There are many nice one-episode characters from The West Wing, however on the prime of the checklist for a lot of followers would absolutely be John Larroquette as Lionel Tribbey, the White Home Counsel. He’s extremely humorous from the primary second he rages into Leo’s workplace with the cricket bat. Regardless of his outspoken and brash nature, he’s nonetheless very revered as a authorized thoughts, and in comparison with his colleagues within the Bartlett administration, he’s much more progressive in favor of affirmative motion and public schooling.
This was seemingly at all times meant as a single-season look, and Larroquette definitely took benefit of it. He left an influence and large footwear to fill. Lionel appeared because the White Home Counsel in season 2, and he usually reveals frustration with President Bartlet’s reasonable politics. Nevertheless, in season 3, The West Wing replaces Tribbey with a brand new White Home Council member, Oliver Babish, and there’s no clarification given in any respect for the change or any purpose that Lionel left.
Larroquette was one other established star by the point he appeared on The West Wing. He’s seemingly greatest identified for this function as Dan Fielding within the basic sitcom Night time Courtroom and he reprised his function within the just lately rebooted model of that collection. Larroquette has additionally been part of a number of films within the Texas Chainsaw Bloodbath franchise because the narrator, a task he originated within the unique 1974 film.
In Aaron Sorkin’s basic political procedural, the senior workers of President Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen) face the every day problem of serving to to run the nation from the West Wing of the White Home. The collection options an ensemble solid that additionally contains Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, and John Spencer.
- Launch Date
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September 22, 1999
- Seasons
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7
