List of characters in The West Wing
Encyclopedia
The television series The West Wing
is a political drama
series which was originally broadcast on NBC
.
In addition to the main (regular) cast, there are numerous secondary characters who only appear periodically, and some characters who are mentioned but never appeared. Some have "disappeared" without explanation, and others who haven't been seen for a year or more who have reappeared without explanation.
Many actors noted for work in sitcoms, such as John Goodman
, John Larroquette
, Christopher Lloyd
, Ed O'Neill
, Matthew Perry
, and Patricia Richardson
have appeared in dramatic roles on The West Wing.
White House staff
Secretaries and Assistants
White House Counsel
Situation Room
Secret Service
Campaign
Santos
Vinick
The West Wing (TV series)
The West Wing is an American television serial drama created by Aaron Sorkin that was originally broadcast on NBC from September 22, 1999 to May 14, 2006...
is a political drama
Political drama
A political drama can describe a play, film or TV program that has a political component, whether reflecting the author's political opinion, or describing a politician or series of political events. Dramatists who have written political dramas include Aaron Sorkin, Robert Penn Warren, Sergei...
series which was originally broadcast on NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
.
In addition to the main (regular) cast, there are numerous secondary characters who only appear periodically, and some characters who are mentioned but never appeared. Some have "disappeared" without explanation, and others who haven't been seen for a year or more who have reappeared without explanation.
Many actors noted for work in sitcoms, such as John Goodman
John Goodman
John Stephen Goodman is an American film, television, and stage actor. He is best known for his role as Dan Conner on the television series Roseanne for which he won a Best Actor Golden Globe Award in 1993, and for appearances in the films of the Coen brothers, with prominent roles in Raising...
, John Larroquette
John Larroquette
John Edgar Bernard Larroquette, Jr. is an American film, television and Broadway actor. His roles include Dan Fielding on the series Night Court, Mike McBride in the Hallmark Channel series McBride, John Hemingway on The John Larroquette Show, and Carl Sack in Boston Legal.-Personal...
, Christopher Lloyd
Christopher Lloyd
Christopher Allen Lloyd is an American actor. He is best known for playing Emmett Brown in the Back to the Future trilogy, Uncle Fester in The Addams Family and Addams Family Values, and Judge Doom in Who Framed Roger Rabbit. He played Reverend Jim Ignatowski in the television series Taxi and more...
, Ed O'Neill
Ed O'Neill
Edward Phillip "Ed" O'Neill, Jr. is an American actor. He is best known for his role as the main character, Al Bundy, on the Fox Network sitcom Married... with Children, for which he was nominated for two Golden Globes...
, Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry (actor)
Matthew Langford Perry is a Canadian-American actor and comedian, best known for his Emmy-nominated role as Chandler Bing on the popular, long-running NBC television sitcom Friends...
, and Patricia Richardson
Patricia Richardson
Patricia Castle Richardson is an American television and film actress best known for her portrayal of Jill Taylor on the sitcom Home Improvement.-Early life and education:...
have appeared in dramatic roles on The West Wing.
White House staffExecutive Office of the President of the United StatesThe Executive Office of the President consists of the immediate staff of the President of the United States, as well as multiple levels of support staff reporting to the President. The EOP is headed by the White House Chief of Staff, currently William M. Daley...
- Josiah "Jed" BartletJosiah BartletJosiah Edward "Jed" Bartlet is a fictional character played by Martin Sheen on the television serial drama The West Wing. He is President of the United States for the entire series until the last episode, when his successor is inaugurated...
— Martin SheenMartin SheenRamón Gerardo Antonio Estévez , better known by his stage name Martin Sheen, is an American film actor best known for his performances in the films Badlands and Apocalypse Now , and in the television series The West Wing from 1999 to 2006.He is considered one of the best actors never to be...
: President of the United StatesPresident of the United StatesThe President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
(Seasons 1–7). - Leo Thomas McGarryLeo McGarryLeo Thomas McGarry is a fictional character played by John Spencer on the television serial drama The West Wing. The role earned Spencer the 2002 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. McGarry's character, the former United States Secretary of Labor, begins the series as the White...
— John SpencerJohn Spencer (actor)John Spencer was an American film and television actor. He was most widely known for playing White House Chief of Staff Leo McGarry on the NBC political drama series The West Wing, which earned him an Emmy Award in 2002.-Early life:Spencer was born as John Speshock, Jr. in New York City, and...
: White House Chief of StaffWhite House Chief of StaffThe White House Chief of Staff is the highest ranking member of the Executive Office of the President of the United States and a senior aide to the President.The current White House Chief of Staff is Bill Daley.-History:...
(Seasons 1–6); Special Counselor to the President (Season 6); Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee (Season 6–7) and Vice President-elect of the United States (Season 7), who died of a heart attackMyocardial infarctionMyocardial infarction or acute myocardial infarction , commonly known as a heart attack, results from the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die...
just hours before his election victory. He was also a former Secretary of Labor. - Claudia Jean "C.J." Cregg — Allison JanneyAllison JanneyAllison Brooks Janney is an American actress, best known for her role as C.J. Cregg on the television series The West Wing.- Personal life :...
: White House Press SecretaryWhite House Press SecretaryThe White House Press Secretary is a senior White House official whose primary responsibility is to act as spokesperson for the government administration....
(Seasons 1–6); White House Chief of StaffWhite House Chief of StaffThe White House Chief of Staff is the highest ranking member of the Executive Office of the President of the United States and a senior aide to the President.The current White House Chief of Staff is Bill Daley.-History:...
(Seasons 6–7). - Charles "Charlie" YoungCharlie YoungCharles 'Charlie' Young is a fictional character played by Dulé Hill on the television serial drama The West Wing. For the majority of the series, he is the Personal Aide to President Josiah Bartlet.-Creation and development:...
— Dulé HillDulé HillKarim Dulé Hill is an American actor and tap dancer. He is best known for his roles as personal presidential aide Charlie Young on the NBC drama television series The West Wing, and as pharmaceutical salesman-private detective Burton "Gus" Guster on the USA Network television comedy-drama Psych...
: Personal Aide to the PresidentBody manA body man is, in U.S. political jargon, a personal assistant to a politician or political candidate. A body man accompanies the politician or candidate virtually everywhere, often arranging lodging, transportation or meals, and providing companionship, snacks, a cell phone, and any other...
(Seasons 1–6); Deputy Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff C.J. Cregg (Seasons 6–7). Revealed he will attend Georgetown School of Law during final episode. - Joshua "Josh" LymanJosh LymanJoshua "Josh" Lyman is a fictional character played by Bradley Whitford on the television drama The West Wing. For the majority of the series, he was White House Deputy Chief of Staff in the Josiah Bartlet administration...
— Bradley WhitfordBradley WhitfordBradley Whitford is an American film and television actor. He is best known for his roles as Deputy White House Chief of Staff Josh Lyman on the NBC television drama The West Wing, as Danny Tripp on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, as Dan Stark in the Fox police buddy-comedy The Good Guys, as...
: Deputy White House Chief of StaffDeputy White House Chief of StaffThe White House Deputy Chief of Staff is officially the top aide to the White House Chief of Staff, who is the senior aide to the President of the United States. The Deputy Chief of Staff usually has an office in the West Wing and is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the White House...
(Seasons 1–6); Campaign Manager, Santos-McGarry Campaign (Seasons 6–7); White House Chief of StaffWhite House Chief of StaffThe White House Chief of Staff is the highest ranking member of the Executive Office of the President of the United States and a senior aide to the President.The current White House Chief of Staff is Bill Daley.-History:...
in the Santos Administration (Season 7). - Donnatella "Donna" MossDonna MossDonnatella "Donna" Moss is a fictional character played by Janel Moloney on the television serial drama The West Wing. Donna is a recurring character during the first season, although she appears in every episode, making her a de facto regular...
— Janel MoloneyJanel MoloneyJanel Moloney is an American actress, best known for her role as Donnatella "Donna" Moss on the television series The West Wing.-Personal life:...
: Senior Assistant to Josh Lyman (Seasons 1–6); Media Specialist and Press Secretary, Bob Russell for President Campaign (Season 6); Press Secretary, Santos-McGarry Campaign (Season 7); First Lady's Chief of Staff (Season 7). - Tobias "Toby" Zachary ZieglerToby ZieglerTobias Zachary 'Toby' Ziegler is played by Richard Schiff on the television serial drama The West Wing. For most of the series' duration he is White House Communications Director.-Creation and development:...
— Richard SchiffRichard SchiffRichard Schiff is an American actor. He is best known for playing Toby Ziegler on the NBC television drama The West Wing, a role for which he received an Emmy Award...
: White House Communications DirectorWhite House Communications DirectorThe White House Director of Communications, also known as Assistant to the President for Communications, is part of the senior staff of the President of the United States, and is responsible for developing and promoting the agenda of the President and leading its media campaign...
(Seasons 1–7). - Samuel "Sam" Norman SeabornSam SeabornSamuel Norman "Sam" Seaborn is a fictional character portrayed by Rob Lowe on the television serial drama The West Wing. He is best known for being Deputy White House Communications Director in the Josiah Bartlet administration throughout the first four seasons of the series.-Creation and...
— Rob LoweRob LoweRobert Hepler "Rob" Lowe is an American actor. Lowe came to prominence after appearing in films such as The Outsiders, Oxford Blues, About Last Night..., St. Elmo's Fire, and Wayne's World. On television, Lowe is known for his role as Sam Seaborn on The West Wing and his role as Senator Robert...
: Deputy White House Communications Director (Seasons 1–4); resigned to run for Congress; Deputy White House Chief of StaffDeputy White House Chief of StaffThe White House Deputy Chief of Staff is officially the top aide to the White House Chief of Staff, who is the senior aide to the President of the United States. The Deputy Chief of Staff usually has an office in the West Wing and is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the White House...
in the Santos Administration (after the end of the series). - William "Will" BaileyWill BaileyWilliam "Will" Bailey, is a fictional character played by Joshua Malina on the television serial drama The West Wing, holding various posts in the White House Office of Communications, Office of the Vice President and a backbencher Congressman .-Character biography:Will grew up in Belgium, as his...
— Joshua MalinaJoshua MalinaJoshua Charles Malina is an American film and stage actor. He is perhaps most famous for portraying Will Bailey on the NBC drama The West Wing and Jeremy Goodwin on Sports Night.-Personal life:...
: Deputy White House Communications Director (Seasons 4–5); Chief of Staff to Vice-President Bob Russell (Seasons 5–7); White House Communications DirectorWhite House Communications DirectorThe White House Director of Communications, also known as Assistant to the President for Communications, is part of the senior staff of the President of the United States, and is responsible for developing and promoting the agenda of the President and leading its media campaign...
(Season 7) Congressman from the Oregon 4th (After end of series). - Annabeth SchottAnnabeth SchottAnnabeth Schott, played by Kristin Chenoweth, is a fictional character on the political drama The West Wing. She joined the Bartlet administration in Season 6 as the Deputy Press Secretary for Media Relations following the promotion of C.J. Cregg to White House Chief of Staff...
— Kristin ChenowethKristin ChenowethKristin Chenoweth is an American singer and actress, with credits in musical theatre, film and television. She is best known on Broadway for her performance as Sally Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown , for which she won a Tony Award, and for originating the role of Glinda in the musical...
: Deputy Press Secretary for Media Relations (Season 6); Campaign staffer, Santos/McGarry Campaign (Season 7); First Lady's Press Secretary (Season 7). - Madeline "Mandy" HamptonMandy HamptonDr. Madeline 'Mandy' Hampton is a fictional character played by Moira Kelly on the American serial drama television series The West Wing. She was White House media consultant during the first season of the show, and the former girlfriend of Deputy White House Chief of Staff Josh Lyman, with whom...
— Moira KellyMoira KellyMoira Kelly is an American actress. She is best known for playing single mother Karen Roe on the teen drama One Tree Hill. She also directed two episodes of the series: "Resolve" and "I Slept with Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me"...
: Political consultant during Bartlet's first campaign. Worked as a media consultant at Lennox-Chase after the campaign. Briefly consulted for Democratic senator Lloyd Russell before being hired by the White House as a political consultant and Media Director (Season 1). Disappeared after the first series of The West Wing and was never mentioned again. - Angela Blake — Michael HyattMichael HyattMichael Hyatt is a British-born film and television actress. Before Hyatt's work in film and television, she enjoyed memorable performances on stages throughout the country, particularly in Ragtime on Broadway.-Early life:...
: Worked for Leo McGarry while he was Secretary of LaborUnited States Secretary of LaborThe United States Secretary of Labor is the head of the Department of Labor who exercises control over the department and enforces and suggests laws involving unions, the workplace, and all other issues involving any form of business-person controversies....
. Later, while a political consultant, she was hired to be Director of Legislative Affairs (Season 5). - Clifford "Cliff" CalleyClifford CalleyClifford "Cliff" Calley is a fictional character played by Mark Feuerstein on the television serial drama The West Wing. Appointed Director of Legislative affairs to fill the political planning void after Josh Lyman left the White House to serve as campaign manager for presidential candidate Matt...
— Mark FeuersteinMark Feuerstein-Career:Feuerstein got his break-through on television as a recurring character on the daytime soap opera Loving. When director Nancy Meyers was casting What Women Want, her daughter recognized Feuerstein from Practical Magic and insisted that her mother cast him...
: Majority Counsel for the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee during the Bartlet censure proceedings (Season 3); Deputy White House Chief of Staff (Season 6). - Amelia "Amy" GardnerAmy GardnerAmelia "Amy" Gardner is a fictional character on the American television series The West Wing, portrayed by Mary-Louise Parker. Politically skilled and a strong advocate on feminist causes, the character holds various jobs throughout the timeline depicted on The West Wing, both in public-advocacy...
— Mary-Louise ParkerMary-Louise ParkerMary-Louise Parker is an American actress, known for her current lead role on Showtime's television series Weeds portraying Nancy Botwin, for which she has received several nominations and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in 2006...
: Head of the Women's Leadership Coalition and influential women's rights activist. Worked as a political consultant for Senator Howard Stackhouse when he ran for president after she was fired. Later hired as the Chief of Staff for the Office of the First Lady. Resigned after she upset the president (Seasons 3–5). Director of Legislative Affairs in the Santos Administration (Season 7).
Secretaries and AssistantsSecretaryA secretary, or administrative assistant, is a person whose work consists of supporting management, including executives, using a variety of project management, communication & organizational skills. These functions may be entirely carried out to assist one other employee or may be for the benefit...
- Dolores Landingham — Kathryn JoostenKathryn JoostenKathryn Joosten is an American television actress best known for her regular role as Karen McCluskey in Desperate Housewives and for her recurring role in The West Wing as Dolores Landingham.-Early life:...
(and Kirsten NelsonKirsten NelsonKirsten Nelson is an American actress. Born in Oklahoma, though raised in Chicago, Nelson attended Northwestern University and became a founding member of Chicago's Roadworks Theatre Ensemble before moving to Los Angeles. She currently stars in the USA Network dramedy Psych, where her character,...
in flashback in "Two CathedralsTwo Cathedrals"Two Cathedrals" is the 44th episode, and second season finale of The West Wing.-Synopsis:President Bartlet is beset by memories of Mrs. Landingham as her funeral approaches. Meanwhile, the staff deals with a crisis in Haiti and questions from congressional Democrats regarding the President's...
"): The president's executive secretary (Season 1–2). Killed in a car accident (Season 2 episode "18th and Potomac"). Included in flashbacks to her character (Seasons 3–4). - Deborah "Debbie" FidererDeborah FidererDeborah Fiderer is a character in the NBC television series The West Wing. She is Executive Assistant to the President, and is portrayed by noted actor and comedienne Lily Tomlin. The character first appeared during the program's third season and remained until its finale.After the death of...
— Lily TomlinLily TomlinMary Jean "Lily" Tomlin is an American actress, comedienne, writer, and producer. Tomlin has been a major force in American comedy since the late 1960's when she began a career as a stand up comedian and became a featured performer on television's Laugh-in...
: The president's executive secretary. Hired after the death of Mrs Landingham (Seasons 4–7). - Margaret Hooper — NiCole Robinson: Assistant to the Chiefs of Staff Leo McGarryLeo McGarryLeo Thomas McGarry is a fictional character played by John Spencer on the television serial drama The West Wing. The role earned Spencer the 2002 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. McGarry's character, the former United States Secretary of Labor, begins the series as the White...
(Seasons 1–6) and C.J. Cregg (Seasons 6–7). - Bonnie — Devika ParikhDevika ParikhDevika Parikh ], USA) is a black-Indian American actress, whose name means "little goddess" in Sanskrit. Born in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, in 1966 she holds a degree in broadcast journalism from Syracuse University....
: Assistant to Communications Director Toby ZieglerToby ZieglerTobias Zachary 'Toby' Ziegler is played by Richard Schiff on the television serial drama The West Wing. For most of the series' duration he is White House Communications Director.-Creation and development:...
(Seasons 1–5). - Ginger — Kim WebsterKim WebsterKim Webster is an American actress most commonly known for her role of Ginger, one of Toby Ziegler's secretaries in the communications office on The West Wing. She played this role from the beginning of the series in 1999 and appeared in 57 episodes. Webster is a graduate from West Virginia...
: Assistant to Deputy Communications Director Sam SeabornSam SeabornSamuel Norman "Sam" Seaborn is a fictional character portrayed by Rob Lowe on the television serial drama The West Wing. He is best known for being Deputy White House Communications Director in the Josiah Bartlet administration throughout the first four seasons of the series.-Creation and...
(Seasons 1–7). - Carol Fitzpatrick — Melissa FitzgeraldMelissa FitzgeraldMelissa Fitzgerald is an American actress best known for her role on the TV program The West Wing as Carol Fitzpatrick, assistant to C. J. Cregg....
: Assistant to Press Secretary C.J. Cregg (Seasons 1–7). - Cathy — Suzy NakamuraSuzy NakamuraSusan Aiko "Suzy" Nakamura is an American actress. She starred opposite Ted Danson in the ABC sitcom Help Me Help You. Nakamura has also had many guest appearances on American sitcoms such as According to Jim, Half and Half, 8 Simple Rules, Curb Your Enthusiasm and How I Met Your Mother and had a...
: Assistant to Deputy Communications Director Sam SeabornSam SeabornSamuel Norman "Sam" Seaborn is a fictional character portrayed by Rob Lowe on the television serial drama The West Wing. He is best known for being Deputy White House Communications Director in the Josiah Bartlet administration throughout the first four seasons of the series.-Creation and...
(Season 1). Disappeared after the first series of The West Wing and was never mentioned again. - Elsie Snuffin — Danica McKellarDanica McKellarDanica Mae McKellar is an American actress, academic, and education advocate. She is best known for her role as Winnie Cooper in the television show The Wonder Years, and later as author of the three The New York Times bestsellers, Math Doesn't Suck, Kiss My Math, and Hot X: Algebra Exposed, which...
: Assistant to Deputy Communications Director Will BaileyWill BaileyWilliam "Will" Bailey, is a fictional character played by Joshua Malina on the television serial drama The West Wing, holding various posts in the White House Office of Communications, Office of the Vice President and a backbencher Congressman .-Character biography:Will grew up in Belgium, as his...
(Season 4). Also step-sister to Will. - Marina ("Rina") — Melissa MarsalaMelissa MarsalaMelissa Marsala is an American actress. Her most notable appearances were in hit shows such as The West Wing and Six Feet Under. She has also appeared in films Mickey Blue Eyes, Bringing Out the Dead and White Oleander.-Filmography:...
: Assistant to Communications Director Toby ZieglerToby ZieglerTobias Zachary 'Toby' Ziegler is played by Richard Schiff on the television serial drama The West Wing. For most of the series' duration he is White House Communications Director.-Creation and development:...
(Season 5). - Nancy — Renée EstevezRenée Estevez-Early years:Estevez was born in New York City, New York, the daughter of artist Janet and actor Martin Sheen. Her father is of Spanish and Irish descent. Her three brothers are also actors: Emilio Estevez, Ramon Estevez and Charlie Sheen. Her husband, Jason Thomas Federico, has been a...
: President's Confidential Assistant (Seasons 1–7). Estevez is the daughter of Martin Sheen, who plays the president. - EdEd and LarryEd and Larry are fictional characters on the television series The West Wing, played by Peter James Smith and William Duffy. They are secondary characters, both of whom work in the White House...
— Peter James Smith: White House staffer. Usually seen with Larry. - LarryEd and LarryEd and Larry are fictional characters on the television series The West Wing, played by Peter James Smith and William Duffy. They are secondary characters, both of whom work in the White House...
— William Duffy: White House staffer. Usually seen with Ed. - Ryan PierceRyan PierceRyan Pierce is a fictional character from Season 5 of the television drama The West Wing. Portrayed by Jesse Bradford. Ryan appears in nine episodes as Josh Lyman's wisecracking intern....
— Jesse BradfordJesse Bradford- Early life :Bradford was born Jesse Bradford Watrouse in Norwalk, Connecticut, the only child of actors Terry Porter and Curtis Watrouse, who appeared in commercials, soap operas, and industrial films. His mother also played his character's mother in Hackers...
: White House intern assigned to Josh. The nephew of a powerful senator. Related to the 14th President of the United States Franklin PierceFranklin PierceFranklin Pierce was the 14th President of the United States and is the only President from New Hampshire. Pierce was a Democrat and a "doughface" who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. Pierce took part in the Mexican-American War and became a brigadier general in the Army...
(Season 5). - Curtis Carruthers — Ben Murray: Succeeded Charlie Young as personal aide to the President (Season 6).
White House CounselWhite House CounselThe White House Counsel is a staff appointee of the President of the United States.-Role:The Counsel's role is to advise the President on all legal issues concerning the President and the White House...
- Lionel Tribbey, played by John LarroquetteJohn LarroquetteJohn Edgar Bernard Larroquette, Jr. is an American film, television and Broadway actor. His roles include Dan Fielding on the series Night Court, Mike McBride in the Hallmark Channel series McBride, John Hemingway on The John Larroquette Show, and Carl Sack in Boston Legal.-Personal...
, was the fourth White House CounselWhite House CounselThe White House Counsel is a staff appointee of the President of the United States.-Role:The Counsel's role is to advise the President on all legal issues concerning the President and the White House...
to the Bartlet administration, but the first to appear in the series. - Oliver Babish, played by Oliver PlattOliver PlattOliver James Platt is a Canadian-American actor. He is currently starring in the Showtime original series, The Big C with Laura Linney.-Early life:...
, was the fifth and final White House Counsel of the Bartlet administration, but the second of the only two characters to be shown in that position during the series (the other being Lionel Tribbey). He first appears advising President Bartlet when the President is considering revealing his diagnosis of multiple sclerosisMultiple sclerosisMultiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which the fatty myelin sheaths around the axons of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, leading to demyelination and scarring as well as a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms...
to the public. He appeared connected to this plotline into season three, then returned to the series in season seven to participate in the White House's internal investigation into the military shuttle leak. He is later mentioned by Santos as a potential choice for Attorney GeneralAttorney GeneralIn most common law jurisdictions, the attorney general, or attorney-general, is the main legal advisor to the government, and in some jurisdictions he or she may also have executive responsibility for law enforcement or responsibility for public prosecutions.The term is used to refer to any person...
. - Ainsley Hayes — Emily ProcterEmily Procter-External links:...
: Associate (and proposed Deputy) White House Counsel (Seasons 2–3). Republican. Briefly reappeared in Season 7, wanting to become White House Counsel for the Santos Administration. - Joseph 'Joe' Quincy — Matthew PerryMatthew Perry (actor)Matthew Langford Perry is a Canadian-American actor and comedian, best known for his Emmy-nominated role as Chandler Bing on the popular, long-running NBC television sitcom Friends...
: Associate White House Counsel (Seasons 4–5). Republican. Uncovered Vice President Hoynes's leaking of information in his affair with local socialite, Helen Baldwin, ultimately leading to Hoynes' resignationResignationA resignation is the formal act of giving up or quitting one's office or position. It can also refer to the act of admitting defeat in a game like chess, indicated by the resigning player declaring "I resign", turning his king on its side, extending his hand, or stopping the chess clock...
. He later is tasked by Toby to find out if the Supreme Court's ailing Chief Justice will resign, which he is angry about having to do. - Mike Wayne — Benjamin BrownBenjamin Brown (actor)Benjamin Brown is an actor who currently is on Fox's Safari Tracks as Ushaka, a South African zoological protector and expert. It first aired in 2005.In 1986, Brown graduated from Plainfield High School in Plainfield, New Jersey...
: Associate White House Counsel (Season 4–7). Dealt with Toby after he admitted being the source of the shuttle leak.
Situation RoomWhite House Situation RoomThe White House Situation Room is a conference room and intelligence management center in the basement of the West Wing of the White House. It is run by the National Security Council staff for the use of the President of the United States and his advisors to monitor and deal...
- AdmiralAdmiral (United States)In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard and the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, admiral is a four-star flag officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. Admiral ranks above vice admiral and below Fleet Admiral in the Navy; the Coast Guard and the Public Health...
Percy "Fitz" FitzwallacePercy FitzwallaceAdmiral Percy "Fitz" Fitzwallace, played by John Amos, is a fictional character on the television series The West Wing. In the universe of the show, he is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff....
— John AmosJohn AmosJohn Amos is an American actor and former football player. His television work includes roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Good Times, the miniseries Roots, and a recurring role in The West Wing. He has also appeared on Broadway and in numerous motion pictures in a career that spans four decades...
: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffChairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffThe Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces, and is the principal military adviser to the President of the United States, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the Secretary of Defense...
(Seasons 1–5). Killed by terrorists while on a diplomatic mission following his retirement. - GeneralGeneral (United States)In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, general is a four-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. General ranks above lieutenant general and below General of the Army or General of the Air Force; the Marine Corps does not have an...
Nicholas AlexanderNicholas AlexanderGeneral Nicholas Alexander is a fictional character in the NBC television series The West Wing. He was played by American actor Terry O'Quinn. General Alexander did not appear frequently on the show due to O'Quinn's role on Lost....
— Terry O'QuinnTerry O'QuinnTerry O'Quinn is an American actor, most famous for playing John Locke on the TV series Lost. He made his debut in a 1980 television movie called F.D.R.: The Last Year. Since then, O'Quinn has had minor supporting roles in films and TV movies such as Young Guns, All the Right Moves, Silver Bullet,...
: Succeeded Admiral Fitzwallace as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffJoint Chiefs of StaffThe Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
(Season 5-6). - Dr.DoctorateA doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder to teach in a specific field, A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder...
Nancy McNally — Anna Deavere SmithAnna Deavere SmithAnna Deavere Smith is an American actress, playwright, and professor. She is currently the artist in residence at the Center for American Progress.-Early life:...
: National Security AdvisorNational Security Advisor (United States)The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, commonly referred to as the National Security Advisor , serves as the chief advisor to the President of the United States on national security issues...
(Season 2–7). - Lieutenant CommanderLieutenant CommanderLieutenant Commander is a commissioned officer rank in many navies. The rank is superior to a lieutenant and subordinate to a commander...
Jack Reese — Christian SlaterChristian SlaterChristian Michael Leonard Slater is an American actor. He made his film debut with a small role in The Postman Always Rings Twice before playing a leading role in the 1985 film The Legend of Billie Jean...
: Aide to the National Security AdvisorNational Security Advisor (United States)The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, commonly referred to as the National Security Advisor , serves as the chief advisor to the President of the United States on national security issues...
(Season 4) who briefly dates Donna. - Commander Kate Harper — Mary McCormackMary McCormackMary Catherine McCormack is an American actress. Best known for her work in television, she has had leading roles as Justine Appleton in the series Murder One , as Deputy National Security Adviser Kate Harper in The West Wing and as Mary Shannon in In Plain Sight .Her film roles include Private...
: Deputy National Security AdvisorNational Security Advisor (United States)The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, commonly referred to as the National Security Advisor , serves as the chief advisor to the President of the United States on national security issues...
(Seasons 5–7). - General Alan Adamle — Gerald McRaneyGerald McRaneyGerald Lee "Mac" McRaney is an American television and movie actor. McRaney is best known as one of the stars of the television shows Simon & Simon, Major Dad, and Promised Land. He was a series regular for the first season of Jericho.-Early life:McRaney was born in Collins, Mississippi, the son...
: Pentagon official. Meets with Leo to discuss the International Criminal CourtInternational Criminal CourtThe International Criminal Court is a permanent tribunal to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression .It came into being on 1 July 2002—the date its founding treaty, the Rome Statute of the...
in (3.6). Served with Leo in Vietnam. - General Ed Barrie — Tom BowerTom Bower (actor)Tom Bower is an American actor who has appeared in a wide variety of television and film roles from 1973 to present. He played physician-husband Curt on The Waltons. He has held a number of prominent supporting roles including Dan Miller in the 2000 film Pollock and the gas station attendant in...
: Army Chief of Staff. Appeared in episode (2.05) when he came under fire for planning to criticize the President upon retirement. - General Shannon — Daniel Von BargenDaniel von BargenDaniel von Bargen is an American film, stage, and television actor.Best-known for his roles as Mr. Kruger on Seinfeld and Commandant Edwin Spangler on the TV comedy Malcolm in the Middle, Von Bargen's film credits include RoboCop 3, Basic Instinct, Broken Arrow, Universal Soldier: The Return,...
: Appeared in (2.01) and (2.10). A four-star General in the US Air Force; he is referred to as "Jack" in his first episode and "Ken" in his second appearance. He seems to be the senior officer in the Sit. Room in 2.01 until Nancy McNally arrives. - CIA Director George Rollie - Ryan CutronaRyan CutronaRyan Cutrona is an American actor. Cutrona has played supporting roles in several films and numerous television series. A majority of his roles are military parts due in large part to his background. Cutrona's father was a General in the United States Army, and he was born at West Point, spending...
: Appeared in Seasons 1, 5 and 6. President Bartlet does not trust, like or respect him, but the senior staff note in 365 Days365 Days"365 Days" is episode 122 of The West Wing.-Plot:The episode opens with Toby being interviewed for his speech writing efforts on the State of the Union address and West Wing staffers are giving him praise which he does not want....
that his pariah status is useful because it prevents the President from tearing down anyone else during tense situations. - Cashman — often mentioned alongside Secretaries Hutchinson and Berryhill, implied to be a senior official at one of the Executive Branch Departments, the Department of either State or Defense (Seasons 1-2).
- Ted Barrow — Ron CanadaRon CanadaRon Canada is an American actor. He began as a television newscaster during the 1970s in the Baltimore-Washington area mainly on WBAL-TV Channel 11 in Baltimore, until the early 1980s when he became an actor. He was a tour guide at NBC studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza...
: Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific AffairsAssistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific AffairsThe Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs is the head of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs within the United States Department of State. The Assistant Secretary guides operation of the U.S...
. Appears in Seasons 6-7. - Bob Slattery — Thomas KopacheThomas KopacheThomas Kopache is an American actor.Kopache was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, the son of Dorothy E. . He is known as Assistant Secretary of State Bob Slatterly in The West Wing and for various roles in the Star Trek franchise...
: Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern AffairsAssistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern AffairsThe Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs is the head of the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs within the American Department of State. The Assistant Secretary guides operation of the U.S. diplomatic establishment in various countries of North Africa and the Middle East and advises...
. Appears in Seasons 3-7. - Bobby Dunn — Gary Cervantes: Appears in (1.11), (1.22), (2.01), (2.10), and (2.21); apparently a State Department official.
- Colonel Chase — David GrafDavid GrafPaul David Graf was an American actor, best known for his role as Sgt. Eugene Tackleberry in the Police Academy series of films...
: Air Force official who advises Leo on a crisis with Iraqi oil smugglers in (2.07), and monitors the Missile Defense Shield test in (2.12). - General Mitch Jensen - Christopher Kriesa: Advises the President on the Kashmir crisis in (1.11) and (1.12).
- Miguel "Mickey" Troop - Tony PlanaTony PlanaTony Plana is a Cuban-American actor and director. He is well known for playing Betty Suarez's father, Ignacio Suarez, on the ABC show Ugly Betty.-Personal life:...
: Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere AffairsAssistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere AffairsThe Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs is the head of the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs within the United States Department of State, the foreign affairs department of the United States federal government. The Assistant Secretary of State guides operation of the U.S...
. Appears in Season 2.
Secret ServiceUnited States Secret ServiceThe United States Secret Service is a United States federal law enforcement agency that is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The sworn members are divided among the Special Agents and the Uniformed Division. Until March 1, 2003, the Service was part of the United States...
/ FBIFederal Bureau of InvestigationThe Federal Bureau of Investigation is an agency of the United States Department of Justice that serves as both a federal criminal investigative body and an internal intelligence agency . The FBI has investigative jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 categories of federal crime...
- Ron Butterfield — Michael O'NeillMichael O'Neill (actor)Michael O'Neill is an American actor.With a career stretching through three decades, he usually portrays senior law enforcement or military officers. He is perhaps best known for his role as Special Agent Ron Butterfield, the head of President Josiah Bartlet's Secret Service detail, on The West Wing...
: Head of the President's Secret ServiceUnited States Secret ServiceThe United States Secret Service is a United States federal law enforcement agency that is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The sworn members are divided among the Special Agents and the Uniformed Division. Until March 1, 2003, the Service was part of the United States...
detail (Seasons 1–7). - Simon Donovan — Mark HarmonMark HarmonMark Harmon is an American actor who has been starring in American television programs and films since the mid-1970s, after a career as a collegiate football player with the UCLA Bruins. Since 2003, Harmon has starred as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the CBS series NCIS.-Early life:Harmon was born Thomas...
: Secret Service agent assigned to protect (and later developed a close relationship with) C. J. CreggC. J. CreggClaudia Jean "C. J." Cregg is a fictional character played by Allison Janney on the television serial drama The West Wing. From the beginning of the series until the sixth season, she is White House Press Secretary in the administration of President Josiah Bartlet...
. Killed when he walked into an armed robbery (Season 3). - Gina Toscano — Jorja FoxJorja FoxJorja-An Fox , is an American actress, musician and songwriter. She first came to prominence as a guest star on the television drama ER, portraying the recurring role of Dr. Maggie Doyle from 1996 to 1999. This was followed by another critical success in the recurring role of Secret Service Agent...
: Secret Service agent assigned to protect Zoey BartletZoey BartletZoey Patricia Bartlet is a fictional character played by Elisabeth Moss on the television serial drama The West Wing. Zoey is the youngest of President Josiah Bartlet and Abbey Bartlet's three daughters, and is more prominently featured in the series than either of her sisters.Zoey and...
(Seasons 1–2). - Wesley Davis — Taye DiggsTaye DiggsScott Leo "Taye" Diggs is an American theatre, film and television actor. He is perhaps best known for his roles in the Broadway musical Rent, the motion picture How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and the television series Private Practice...
: In charge of Zoey Bartlet's secret service detail when she was abducted (Season 4). - Molly O'Connor - Kimberly Bigsby: A young agent on Zoey's detail. Shot dead during the kidnapping of Zoey. One of Toby and Andy's twins was named in her memory. (Season 4)
- Randy Weathers - Shannon Marshall: Another young agent on Zoey Bartlet's detail (Season 4)
- Jamie Reed - John Antonini: Another young agent on Zoey Bartlet's detail (Season 4)
- Tom Connelly (Ep. 1.03): FBI Director.
- George Arnold — Michael Kagan (Ep. 5.18; 6.1): FBI Director.
- Mike Casper — Clark GreggClark GreggRobert Clark Gregg is an American actor, screenwriter and director. He co-starred as Christine Campbell's ex-husband Richard in the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine, which debuted in March 2006 and concluded in May 2010...
: FBI Special Agent (Seasons 2–5).
CampaignPolitical campaignA political campaign is an organized effort which seeks to influence the decision making process within a specific group. In democracies, political campaigns often refer to electoral campaigns, wherein representatives are chosen or referendums are decided...
staff
- Bruno Gianelli, played by Ron SilverRon SilverRonald Arthur "Ron" Silver was an American actor, director, producer, radio host and political activist.-Early life:...
, was a political operative introduced in the third season as the campaign manager of Bartlet's 2002 bid for reelection, and continued in this role through the fourth season. The character reappeared as the Eric Baker's campaign manager for the 2006 Democratic primary, only to become an independent consultant to Republican nominee Arnold Vinick after Baker withdrew from the race; the change of political affiliations mirrored Ron Silver's real-world change of party affiliation, as the actor campaigned for President George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential electionUnited States presidential election, 2004The United States presidential election of 2004 was the United States' 55th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. Republican Party candidate and incumbent President George W. Bush defeated Democratic Party candidate John Kerry, the then-junior U.S. Senator...
. - Josephine "Joey" LucasJoey LucasJosephine "Joey" Lucas, is a fictional character on the television serial drama The West Wing, a California-based pollster and political operative played by Marlee Matlin...
— Marlee MatlinMarlee MatlinMarlee Bethany Matlin is an American actress. She is the only deaf actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, which she won for Children of a Lesser God. Her work in film and television has resulted in a Golden Globe award, with two additional nominations, and four Emmy...
: Political consultant, pollster often consulted by the White House and Democratic campaigns (Seasons 1–7). The character is also deaf (as is Matlin in real life). - Kenny Thurman — Bill O'BrienBill O'Brien (actor)Bill O'Brien is a television series actor, and the Director of Theatre and Musical Theatre for the National Endowment for the Arts.Bill O'Brien was appointed as the NEA's Director of Theater and Musical Theater in July 2006. O'Brien designs and directs national leadership initiatives, such as the...
: Joey Lucas's signAmerican Sign LanguageAmerican Sign Language, or ASL, for a time also called Ameslan, is the dominant sign language of Deaf Americans, including deaf communities in the United States, in the English-speaking parts of Canada, and in some regions of Mexico...
interpreter (Seasons 1–7). - Connie Tate — Connie BrittonConnie BrittonConnie Britton is an American actress. She is best known for the roles of Nikki Faber on Spin City and on Friday Night Lights as Tami Taylor. Her most notable films are Friday Night Lights and A Nightmare on Elm Street...
: Bartlet-Hoynes re-election campaign staffer (Season 3); she's a likable woman who quickly befriends Sam Seaborn. - Doug Wegland — Evan HandlerEvan HandlerEvan Handler is an American actor who is best known for playing Harry Goldenblatt, Charlotte's divorce attorney and later husband, on Sex and the City, and Charlie Runkle, Hank's comically bumbling friend and agent, on Californication.-Early life:Handler was born in New York City, the son of Enid...
: Bartlet-Hoynes re-election campaign staffer and speechwriter (Season 3); he's acerbic and lands on Toby Ziegler's wrong side, but ends up winning the staffers' respect with his good ideas and staunch belief in them. - Kevin Kahn — Patrick BreenPatrick BreenJoseph Patrick Breen is an American actor. He has acted primarily on TV but has also appeared in numerous films, as well as on Broadway and Off Broadway...
: Former friend of Sam Seaborn. Staffer on Ritchie's 2002 presidential campaign (Season 3), who ends up humiliating Sam by leaking an attack ad that made the Bartlet campaign look vindictive and stupid. - Dylan Clark — Tim KelleherTim KelleherTim Kelleher is an American writer, actor and director.Born in The Bronx, Tim grew up across the five boroughs of New York City, and played football with an elite corps of young men at perennial powerhouse Msgr. Farrell on Staten Island...
: Hoynes' Campaign Manager (Season 6).
SantosMatt SantosMatthew Vincente "Matt" Santos is a fictional character on the American television show The West Wing, played by Jimmy Smits. His initial appearance is as a Democratic U.S. Representative from Houston, Texas. According to West Wing writer and producer Eli Attie, Santos was based on the then...
campaign
- Louise "Lou" ThorntonLouise ThorntonLouise "Lou" Thornton is a character in the NBC television series The West Wing portrayed by Janeane Garofalo. The character's first appearance is in Season 7 of the series.-Character biography:...
— Janeane GarofaloJaneane GarofaloJaneane Garofalo is an American stand-up comedian, actress, political activist and writer. She is the former co-host on the now defunct Air America Radio's The Majority Report. Garofalo continues to circulate regularly within New York City's local comedy and performance art scene.-Early...
: Santos-McGarry campaign Director of Communications. Santos Administration Director of Communications (Season 7). - Ronna BeckmanRonna BeckmanRonna Beckman is a character in the NBC television series The West Wing. She is portrayed by Karis Campbell. The character first appeared during the program's sixth season. She was present from the very beginning of Matt Santos's campaign for the Presidency, eventually becoming the Executive...
— Karis Campbell: Aide to Congressman Santos, Santos-McGarry Campaign (Seasons 6–7); President's Personal Secretary in the Santos Administration (Season 7). - Edie Ortega — Diana-Maria RivaDiana-Maria RivaDiana-Maria Riva is an American actress.-Early life:Riva was born Diana-Maria Uhlenbrock in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Maria and Christopher Uhlenbrock, a dentist.-Career:...
: Santos-McGarry Deputy Campaign Manager for Strategic Planning (Season 7). - Bram Howard — Matthew Del NegroMatthew Del NegroMatthew Del Negro is an American actor. He was born in Mount Kisco, New York as the youngest of three children. He is a graduate of Boston College, where he played Division I lacrosse. After graduating, he began to study acting, and after appearing in several minor commercials and independent...
: Staffer, Santos-McGarry Campaign (Seasons 6–7); Personal Aide to President Santos (Season 7). - Ned Carlson — Evan Arnold: Aide to Congressman Santos (Season 6); Staffer, Santos-McGarry Campaign (Seasons 6–7). Ned was reassigned to Santos's Congressional staff early in Season 7 with the intention of giving him a spot in the administration after the election, but he did not appear on the series after his dismissal from the campaign.
- Otto — Ramon De Ocampo: Speechwriter, Santos-McGarry Campaign (Season 7); Staffer in the Santos Administration (Season 7).
VinickArnold VinickArnold Vinick is a fictional character on the television series The West Wing played by Alan Alda.-Biography:A Republican senator from California and Republican presidential nominee, he is narrowly defeated by Democrat Matt Santos in the 2006 presidential election, with Vinick winning the popular...
campaign
- Sheila Brooks — Patricia RichardsonPatricia RichardsonPatricia Castle Richardson is an American television and film actress best known for her portrayal of Jill Taylor on the sitcom Home Improvement.-Early life and education:...
: Senator Vinick's chief of staff and Vinick-Sullivan campaign manager; She, like Vinick, was portrayed as level-headed and not overtly partisan. Often at odds with the more conservative voices in the Party, she left the campaign weeks before election day to placate the Republican base (Season 6–7). In her (and Vinick's) final episode appearance, Brooks is mentioned as possibly being hired as chief of staff to the Republican Senate Majority Leader. - Jane Braun — Melinda McGrawMelinda McGrawMelinda Leigh McGraw is an American actress. She has starred in movies such as Albino Alligator , Wrongfully Accused , and Nutty Professor II: The Klumps , and is also known for her television performances on The Commish, The X-Files and Mad Men.-Early life:McGraw was born in Nicosia, Cyprus, to...
: Vinick-Sullivan campaign manager after Brooks' resignation (Season 7); A very conservative activist who replaces Shelia in order to energize hard-core GOP voters, but also disgusts everyone by attempting to make an election night issue of Leo McGarry's death. Her outspoken partisanship puts her at odds with both Vinick and Bruno Gianelli. - Bruno Gianelli — Ron SilverRon SilverRonald Arthur "Ron" Silver was an American actor, director, producer, radio host and political activist.-Early life:...
: (See above). - Bob Mayer — Stephen RootStephen RootStephen Root is an American actor. He is best known for his comedic work on the TV sitcom NewsRadio, in the film Office Space and as the voice of Bill Dauterive and Buck Strickland in the animated series King of the Hill...
: Vinick-Sullivan speechwriter (Season 6–7). Frequently mocked for his messy eating habits, Mayer becomes fast friends with Gianelli. On election night, the two briefly discuss forming a consulting firm, but Gianelli declines in favor of retirement from politics.
Media
- Danny ConcannonDanny ConcannonDaniel "Danny" Concannon is a fictional White House correspondent for the Washington Post played by Timothy Busfield on the television serial drama The West Wing. Danny first appeared in the third episode of Season 1, "A Proportional Response," where he mentioned that he had been a White House...
— Timothy BusfieldTimothy BusfieldTimothy "Timmy B" Busfield is an American actor and director best known for his role as Eliot Weston on the television series Thirtysomething and his recurring role as Danny Concannon on the television series The West Wing...
: senior White House correspondentCorrespondentA correspondent or on-the-scene reporter is a journalist or commentator, or more general speaking, an agent who contributes reports to a newspaper, or radio or television news, or another type of company, from a remote, often distant, location. A foreign correspondent is stationed in a foreign...
for The Washington PostThe Washington PostThe Washington Post is Washington, D.C.'s largest newspaper and its oldest still-existing paper, founded in 1877. Located in the capital of the United States, The Post has a particular emphasis on national politics. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia editions are printed for daily circulation...
(Seasons 1–2, 4–5, 7). - Greg Brock, played by Sam RobardsSam RobardsSam Prideaux Robards is an American actor.-Life and career:Robards was born in New York City, the son of actors Jason Robards and Lauren Bacall. He began his acting career in 1980 in an off-Broadway production of Album, and made his feature film debut in director Paul Mazursky's 1982 film Tempest....
, is a White House correspondent for the New York Times . Greg Brock is also the name of a real editor for the New York Times. First appearing in the fifth season, the character, central to a season six storyline, became one of the most regularly referred to White House correspondents, second only to Danny Concannon. In that storyline, the New York Times printed a story written by Brock that alleged the existence of a classified military space shuttleMilitary space shuttleA military space shuttle would be the military equivalent of NASA's space shuttle. Many experts believed that it is extremely unlikely that NASA, the United States Department of Defense or any other Federal agency could keep the existence of such a spacecraft secret, given the official knowledge...
which could be used to help three astronauts on the International Space Station that were running out of oxygen. The leak was initially suspected to be White House Chief of Staff C.J. Cregg, whose phone records showed a surprisingly large number of calls to Greg Brock over much of her tenure as White House Chief of Staff to that point. In the seventh season of the show, Brock went to jail after being held in contempt of court for failing to reveal the name of his source. White House Communications Director Toby ZieglerToby ZieglerTobias Zachary 'Toby' Ziegler is played by Richard Schiff on the television serial drama The West Wing. For most of the series' duration he is White House Communications Director.-Creation and development:...
eventually confessed to the leak, saying that he acted alone, and that Brock was the only reporter to whom he leaked the information. The storyline regarding the leak and subsequent investigation has been compared by some to the Valerie Plame affairPlame affairThe Plame Affair involved the identification of Valerie Plame Wilson as a covert Central Intelligence Agency officer. Mrs. Wilson's relationship with the CIA was formerly classified information...
. - Roger Salier — Ivan Allen: Television anchor on News Center 4 (Seasons 1–7).
- Mark Gottfried — Ted McGinleyTed McGinleyTheodore Martin "Ted" McGinley is an American actor. He is perhaps best known for his role as Jefferson D'Arcy on the television series Married... with Children and as Charley Shanowski on the ABC sitcom Hope & Faith...
: Talk show host of "Capitol Beat" (Season 2). - Diane Mathers (5.07 & 6.07): Tough talk show host who interviewed Zoey BartletZoey BartletZoey Patricia Bartlet is a fictional character played by Elisabeth Moss on the television serial drama The West Wing. Zoey is the youngest of President Josiah Bartlet and Abbey Bartlet's three daughters, and is more prominently featured in the series than either of her sisters.Zoey and...
about her kidnapping and John HoynesJohn HoynesJohn Hoynes is a fictional character played by Tim Matheson on the American television series The West Wing. Hoynes is Vice President of the United States during the first four seasons of the show....
about his intentions to run for President again - Taylor Reid — Jay MohrJay MohrJay Mohr is an American actor and stand up comedian. He is known for his role as Professor Rick Payne in the TV series Ghost Whisperer, the title role in the CBS sitcom Gary Unmarried, which ran from 2008 to 2010, and the back-stabbing sports agent Bob Sugar in Jerry Maguire.-Early life:Mohr was...
: Conservative talk show host, baited C.J. Cregg by calling her a "chicken" (Season 5). Some reviewers have likened the character to Bill O'ReillyBill O'Reilly (commentator)William James "Bill" O'Reilly, Jr. is an American television host, author, syndicated columnist and political commentator. He is the host of the political commentary program The O'Reilly Factor on the Fox News Channel, which is the most watched cable news television program on American television...
, the combative host of the news commentary show The O'Reilly FactorThe O'Reilly FactorThe O'Reilly Factor, originally titled The O'Reilly Report from 1996 to 1998 and often called The Factor, is an American talk show on the Fox News Channel hosted by commentator Bill O'Reilly, who often discusses current controversial political issues with guests.The program was the most watched...
. - Katarina "Katie" Witt — Kris Murphy: White House Press Corps Reporter.
- Mark O'Donnell — Timothy Davis Reed: White House Press Corps Reporter. Episode 3:08 - says he is from Canada.
- Steve — Charles NolandCharles NolandCharles Noland is an American actor who had recurring roles on The West Wing, as Steve, a member of the White House press corps, and on ER as a desk man named E-Ray. He has also appeared in the films Dirty Deeds, Wayne's World, Old School, "Blow" and Bubble Boy.-External links:...
: White House Press Corps Reporter. - Chris — Mindy Seeger: White House Press Corps Reporter.
Josiah Bartlet's family
- Abigail Ann 'Abbey' BartletAbbey BartletDr. Abigail Anne "Abbey" Barrington Bartlet, MD, is a fictional character played by Stockard Channing on the television serial drama, The West Wing. In the show, she is the First Lady of the United States, the wife of President Josiah Bartlet.-Overview:...
, M.D.PhysicianA physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
— Stockard ChanningStockard ChanningStockard Channing is an American stage, film and television actress. She is known for her portrayal of First Lady Abbey Bartlet in the NBC television series The West Wing; for playing Betty Rizzo in the film Grease; and for her role as Ouisa Kittredge in the play Six Degrees of Separation and its...
: First Lady of the United StatesFirst Lady of the United StatesFirst Lady of the United States is the title of the hostess of the White House. Because this position is traditionally filled by the wife of the president of the United States, the title is most often applied to the wife of a sitting president. The current first lady is Michelle Obama.-Current:The...
(Seasons 1–7). - Jonathan Bartlet- Younger brother of Josiah Bartlet (mentioned, never seen)
- Elizabeth "Liz" Bartlet Westin — Annabeth GishAnnabeth GishAnnabeth Gish is an American actress known for starring roles in Shag, Mystic Pizza and Double Jeopardy. She is best known for her roles as Special Agent Monica Reyes on The X-Files, Elizabeth Bartlet Westin on The West Wing and as Eileen Caffee on the Showtime drama Brotherhood.-Personal...
: The President's eldest daughter (Seasons 5–7). - Eleanor Emily "Ellie" Bartlet FaisonEleanor BartletEleanor "Ellie" Emily Bartlet Faison, M.D. is a fictional character played by Nina Siemaszko on the television serial drama The West Wing. Ellie is the middle daughter of President Josiah Bartlet and Abbey Bartlet....
— Nina SiemaszkoNina SiemaszkoNina Siemaszko is an American film and television actress.-Biography:Siemaszko was born Antonina Jadwiga Siemaszko in Chicago, Illinois to a Polish American father, a fighter in the Polish Underground who survived the Sachsenhausen concentration camp and an English mother...
: The President's middle daughter (Seasons 2, 5, 7). - Zoey Patricia BartletZoey BartletZoey Patricia Bartlet is a fictional character played by Elisabeth Moss on the television serial drama The West Wing. Zoey is the youngest of President Josiah Bartlet and Abbey Bartlet's three daughters, and is more prominently featured in the series than either of her sisters.Zoey and...
— Elisabeth MossElisabeth MossElisabeth Singleton Moss is an American actor. Her notable roles include that of Zoey Bartlet, the third and youngest daughter of President Jed Bartlet, on the NBC television series The West Wing , and secretary turned copywriter Peggy Olson on the AMC original series Mad Men .-Early life and...
: The President's youngest daughter (Seasons 1–2, 4–7). - Dr. Bartlet — Lawrence O'Donnell: The President's father. Though deceased, he appears during flashbacks in the episode "Two Cathedrals" (Season 2).
- Doug Westin — Steven EckholdtSteven EckholdtSteven Eckholdt is an American actor of German descent.Eckholdt began his screen career in the mid 1980s. Primarily known for television roles, his main screen appearances include L.A. Law, Melrose Place, It's Like, You Know..., Providence, The West Wing and The L Word...
: Liz's husband. Unsuccessfully runs for the House of Representatives representing New Hampshire in 2006 (Seasons 5–7). - Vic Faison — Ben WeberBen Weber (actor)Ben Weber is an American film and television actor. He has appeared in TV series including Sex and the City and in films such as Kissing Jessica Stein and Coach Carter. Weber also played David on the ABC Family television series The Secret Life of the American Teenager along with Molly Ringwald...
: Ellie Bartlet's husband (Season 7).
Leo McGarry's family
- Mallory O'BrienMallory O'BrienMallory O'Brien is a fictional character on NBC's drama "The West Wing". The character is portrayed by Allison Smith. Mallory is the daughter of Leo McGarry, White House chief of staff and 2006 Democratic vice-presidential nominee, and his ex-wife, Jenny McGarry...
— Allison Smith: Leo McGarryLeo McGarryLeo Thomas McGarry is a fictional character played by John Spencer on the television serial drama The West Wing. The role earned Spencer the 2002 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. McGarry's character, the former United States Secretary of Labor, begins the series as the White...
's daughter (Seasons 1–2, 4–7). - Jenny McGarry — Sara BotsfordSara BotsfordSara Botsford is a Canadian television and film actress. She is probably best known for her role of Ann Hildebrand in the television series E.N.G. for which she won a Gemini Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role...
: Leo McGarry's wife. Divorced him due to his work commitments (Season 1). - Josephine McGarry — Deborah Hedwall: Leo McGarry's sister, who works as an educator (Season 2).
- Elizabeth McGarry — Leo McGarry's sister, mentioned in the episode "In Excelsis Deo" (Season 1).
C. J. Cregg's family
- Hogan Cregg - Evan Rachel WoodEvan Rachel WoodEvan Rachel Wood is an American actress and singer. She began her acting career in the late 1990s, appearing in several television series, including American Gothic and Once and Again...
: CJ's niece (Season 3) - Molly Lapham Cregg - Verna BloomVerna BloomVerna Bloom is an American actress. She co-starred in the 1973 film High Plains Drifter with Clint Eastwood and the 1974 made for TV movie Where Have All The People Gone? with Peter Graves and Kathleen Quinlan...
: CJ's stepmother and her former high school English teacher (Season 4) - Talmidge Cregg - Donald MoffatDonald MoffatDonald Moffat is an English-born actor, now a naturalized American citizen.-Early life:Moffat was born in Plymouth, Devon, the only child of Kathleen Mary and Walter George Moffat, who was an insurance agent. His parents ran a boarding house in Totnes...
: CJ's father, a retired math teacher with Alzheimer's disease. (Season 4) - Grammy Cregg- Mentioned as the Mid-Western source of CJ's 'Hay is for Horses' witticism.
Josh Lyman's family
- Joanie Lyman - Josh's older sister who died in a fire when she was babysitting him.
- Noah Lyman - Josh's father. Died on the night of the Illinois primary (during Bartlet's first Presidential campaign).
- Mrs. Lyman - Josh's mother and only living relative. She lives in Florida and Josh usually goes down to visit her during holidays.
Toby Ziegler's family
- Andrea WyattAndrea WyattAndrea 'Andy' Wyatt, played by Kathleen York, is a fictional recurring character on the NBC political drama The West Wing. She is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives representing the state of Maryland, and former wife of White House Communications Director Toby...
(Kathleen YorkKathleen YorkKathleen "Bird" York is an actress, screenwriter and Oscar nominated songwriter-recording artist.As a screenwriter, York has written projects for John Wells Warner Brothers, Sony, Paramount and has just completed a one hour pilot for Fox Television Studios...
): Ex-wife of Toby Ziegler, Congresswoman from Maryland. - Molly Wyatt - Toby and Andrea's daughter, named after Molly O'Conner, the secret service agent shot and killed the night of Zoey Bartlet's kidnapping (Season 4, 7)
- Huckleberry "Huck" Wyatt - Toby and Andrea's son, named after Andrea's grandfather (Season 4, 7)
- Jules "Julie" Ziegler (Jerry AdlerJerry AdlerJerry Adler is an American theatre director, production supervisor and a television and film actor.Adler was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Pauline and Philip Adler, who was a general manager of the Group Theatre...
) - Toby's father, former Murder IncorporatedMurder, Inc.Murder, Inc. was the name given by the press to organized crime groups in the 1920s through the 1940s that resulted in hundreds of murders on behalf of the American Mafia and Jewish Mafia groups who together formed the early organized crime groups in New York and...
employee, retired ladies raincoat maker (Season 4) - David Ziegler - Toby's brother, NASANASAThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
astronaut, commits suicide in season 6
Donna Moss's family
- Aunt Barbara- Aunt from Wisconsin who Donna leads on private tour.
- Uncle Ted- Uncle from Wisconsin who Donna leads on private tour.
Will Bailey's family
- Elsie Snuffin — Danica McKellarDanica McKellarDanica Mae McKellar is an American actress, academic, and education advocate. She is best known for her role as Winnie Cooper in the television show The Wonder Years, and later as author of the three The New York Times bestsellers, Math Doesn't Suck, Kiss My Math, and Hot X: Algebra Exposed, which...
: Will BaileyWill BaileyWilliam "Will" Bailey, is a fictional character played by Joshua Malina on the television serial drama The West Wing, holding various posts in the White House Office of Communications, Office of the Vice President and a backbencher Congressman .-Character biography:Will grew up in Belgium, as his...
's stepsister, an undiscovered comedy writer (Season 4) - Thomas Bailey - Will's father, Supreme Allied Commander Europe
Matt Santos' family
- Helen SantosHelen SantosHelen Santos is a fictional First Lady of the United States in the television drama The West Wing. She is the wife of Matt Santos played by Jimmy Smits. She became First Lady in the seventh season episode "Tomorrow," when her husband was inaugurated as President of the United States...
— Teri PoloTeri PoloTheresa Elizabeth "Teri" Polo is an American actress known for her role of Pam Focker in the movie Meet the Parents and its two sequels, Meet the Fockers and Little Fockers...
: Matt Santos' wife (Season 6–7) - Peter Santos - Matt Santos' son (Season 6-7)
- Miranda Santos - Matt Santos' daughter (Season 6-7)
- Jorge Santos - Matt's Santos' brother (Season 7)
Other characters
- Laurie — Lisa EdelsteinLisa EdelsteinLisa Edelstein is an American actress and playwright. She is best known for her role as Dr. Lisa Cuddy on the television drama House.-Early life and education:...
: Sam Seaborn's friend. Law student working as a call girl (Season 1). - Al Kiefer — John de LancieJohn de LancieJohn de Lancie is an American actor. He has been active in screen and television roles since 1977, though he is best known for his recurring role as Q on the various Star Trek series and as Frank Simmons in Stargate SG-1....
: Democratic pollster who had a short relationship with Joey Lucas. The senior staff can't stand him and when Joey's abilities became apparent, she took over his previous role as the Bartlet Administration's top pollster. (Season 1) - Larry Claypool — John Diehl: Freedom Watch lawyer (Seasons 1, 4) who spends his time filing lawsuits against President Bartlet and his staff in hopes of bringing down the administration.
- Bernard Thatch — Paxton WhiteheadPaxton WhiteheadPaxton Whitehead is a British actor who made his professional debut in 1956. Whitehead is best known to American movie audiences as Professor Phillip Barbay in the 1986 comedy film Back to School.-Early years:...
(Ep 2.10, Ep 6.07): Head of the White House Visitor's Office. - Ann Stark — Felicity HuffmanFelicity HuffmanFelicity Kendall Huffman is an American film, stage, and television actress. She is known for her role as executive producer Dana Whitaker on the ABC television show Sports Night , which earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination, and as hectic supermom Lynette Scavo on the ABC show Desperate...
(Ep 2.11): Toby Ziegler's former friend, until she betrayed him when he tried to broker a compromise on patients' rights. Chief of Staff to the Senate Majority Leader. - Lisa Sherborne — Traylor HowardTraylor HowardTraylor Elizabeth Howard is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as Sharon Carter on the television series Two Guys and a Girl and as Natalie Teeger on the USA Network series Monk.-Early life:...
(Ep 3.11): Sam Seaborn's former fiancée who now works for Vanity Fair. Sam broke off their engagement because she wanted to be cool, but also honestly because he wanted to leave the New York scene and work at the White House. - Dr. Stanley KeyworthStanley KeyworthStanley Keyworth is a fictional psychiatrist, played by Adam Arkin, who appears on the television serial drama The West Wing. Making his first appearance in season 2, he reappeared in seasons 3 and 4....
— Adam ArkinAdam ArkinAdam Arkin is an American television, film and stage actor and director. He played the role of Aaron Shutt on Chicago Hope. He has been nominated for numerous awards, including a Tony as well as 3 primetime Emmys, 4 SAG Awards , and a DGA Award...
: Therapist specializing in trauma cases. Staff Therapist for the American Trauma Victims Association (ATVA) (Seasons 2–4). Has several sessions as the President's therapist as well. - Jordan Elaine Kendall — Joanna GleasonJoanna GleasonJoanna Gleason is a Canadian actress and singer. She is a Tony Award-winning musical theatre actress and has also had a number of notable film and TV roles.-Early life:...
: Leo McGarry's lawyer during the Bartlet MS hearings and love interest for several months (Season 3–4). - Alana Waterman — Lee GarlingtonLee GarlingtonAnn Leslie "Lee" Garlington is an American actress.Garlington was born in Teaneck, New Jersey. She has guest starred in a number of notable television series, including The West Wing, 7th Heaven, 8 Simple Rules, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Judging Amy, L.A...
: Toby Ziegler's attorney, called upon when Toby confesses to the White House leak (Season 7) - Jean Paul Pierre Claude Charpentier, Vicomte de Condé de Bourbon — Trent FordTrent FordTrent Ford is a British-American actor and model.-Biography:Ford was born in Akron, Ohio to a US Navy test pilot father and an English mother from Birmingham...
: Zoey Bartlet's French boyfriend (Season 4). - Colin Ayres — Jason IsaacsJason IsaacsJason Isaacs is an English actor born in Liverpool, who is best known for his performance as the villain Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, the brutal Colonel William Tavington in The Patriot and as lifelong criminal Michael Caffee in the internationally broadcast American television series...
: Photographer who has a fling with Donna Moss in Gaza (Season 5–6). - Lt. Colonel Gantry, the pilot of Air Force OneAir Force OneAir Force One is the official air traffic control call sign of any United States Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States. In common parlance the term refers to those Air Force aircraft whose primary mission is to transport the president; however, any U.S. Air Force aircraft...
, heard several times on personal announcements on the plane, seen informing the president in the conference room of Air Force OneAir Force OneAir Force One is the official air traffic control call sign of any United States Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States. In common parlance the term refers to those Air Force aircraft whose primary mission is to transport the president; however, any U.S. Air Force aircraft...
in the episode 'Angel Maintenance' (Season 4) on the status of the plane.
Pets
- Bess: Glen Allen WalkenGlen Allen WalkenGlen Allen Walken is a fictional character on The West Wing played by John Goodman....
's pugPugThe pug is a "toy" breed of dog with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face, and curled tail. The breed has a fine, glossy coat that comes in a variety of colors, and a compact square body with well-developed muscle. They have been described as multum in parvo , referring to the pug's personality and...
. - Gail: C.J. Cregg's pet goldfishGoldfishThe goldfish is a freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae of order Cypriniformes. It was one of the earliest fish to be domesticated, and is one of the most commonly kept aquarium fish....
. A gift from Danny Concannon. In the season 1 episode "The Short List," Josh Lyman told Danny that C.J. likes "goldfish." Although Josh was referring to snack crackersGoldfish (snack)Goldfish are snack crackers manufactured by Pepperidge Farm, a division of the Campbell Soup Company. The crackers come in several flavors, and since 1997, the crackers have small imprints of an eye and a smile and some wink at you...
of the same name, Danny mistakenly believed he was referring to the aquatic creature; after giving C.J. the fish, Danny mentions that the pet-store owner had named it "Gail." On the DVD commentary track for episode 14, "In Excelsis Deo," Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme, and Alex Graves mention that the propTheatrical propertyA theatrical property, commonly referred to as a prop, is an object used on stage by actors to further the plot or story line of a theatrical production. Smaller props are referred to as "hand props". Larger props may also be set decoration, such as a chair or table. The difference between a set...
masters created a tiny miniature Christmas ornament to place on the floor of Gail's fish bowl and that from then on, the prop masters often crafted tiny decorations related to the themes in a given episode, as when hostilities were escalating in India and Pakistan and the bowl contained a tiny bomb shelter. They also mention that many scenes set in C.J.'s office throughout the succeeding seasons include shots of Gail's bowl and that as of the commentary's recording at the end of season four, the prop masters insisted that the specific goldfish used had never been replaced. - Henry: Amy Gardner's basset houndBasset HoundThe Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog of the hound family. They are scent hounds, bred to hunt rabbits and hare by scent. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound....
.
See also
- The West WingThe West Wing (TV series)The West Wing is an American television serial drama created by Aaron Sorkin that was originally broadcast on NBC from September 22, 1999 to May 14, 2006...
- List of politicians in The West Wing
- List of The West Wing episodes