Yes, I wonder how they will take the plot of the show. Seems to me, the best thing would be to have him die of a heart attack - after all, he's already had one and it would be natural. Another case of life imitating art.....

As some of you have said, a very interesting actor with loads of presence. Also my favorite character on the show. After years of losing out, I was happy when he won his Emmy for best actor. I'm kind of glad Toby is not so featured anymore. I could never understand Mr. Mumbles, so it was frustrating to watch and try to understand. Martin Sheen - boy, he just goes on and on, doesn't he! Doing a fantastic job with every scene. And Jimmy Smits! What a great great acting job with his character! Alan Alda as well - this season has been a pleasure to watch with the literate dialogue and the interplay between the characters in the two camps. Best thing on TV, by far. John Spencer will be missed. I read that he does have relatives, but no immediate family. I guess he looked in his late 50's - early 60's to me. Sad, to die to young with many more great acting roles ahead. But again, he didn't linger with some wasting illness, so there is that blessing. I read that over 50% of people with their first heart attack die. We hear about all the ones who are saved by CPR and early intervention, but here is one not so lucky.