For seven seasons, West Wing It reigned as one of television’s most acclaimed dramas. Depicting the ups and downs of a fictional presidential administration (led by the savvy, strong-willed Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen)), Aaron Sorkin’s series has attracted millions of viewers and won numerous awards, including 26 Primetime Emmys.
A significant portion of these went to its stars, but even more were nominated. West Wing It has attracted incredible talent in front of the camera, with a core cast that includes notables like Allison Janney (as the ever-overworked Press Secretary CJ Cregg) and the late John Spencer (Chief of Staff Leo McGarry).
But beyond the main cast West Wing It also featured an impressive roster of guests, ranging from future stars to Oscar-nominated legends. More than 25 years have passed since the show premiered. Entertainment Weekly looks at the political drama’s best guest stars, some of whom you may have forgotten.
Amy Adams (Cathy)
NBC
Amy Adams joined West Wing in the show’s fourth season. Adams, who earned multiple Oscar nominations for her film work, played Cathy, a farmer who supports Democrats but takes Toby (Richard Schiff) and Josh (Bradley Whitford) to task on the administration’s agricultural efforts.
Jon Bon Jovi (Jon Bon Jovi)
Justin Lubin/Warner Bros./Getty Images
Jon Bon Jovi joins list of solo musicians West WingHe appeared in the series’ final season in 2006. He appeared in the episode as a celebrity supporter of musician Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits), with a reference to Bon Jovi’s song “Welcome to Wherere You Are”.
Connie Britton (Connie Tate)
NBC
Long before she was Tami Taylor or Rayna Jaymes, Connie Britton was Connie Tate for four episodes. West Wing The future Emmy nominee played a woman who works on President Bartlet’s re-election campaign and often helps her co-workers understand her polarizing boss, Doug (Evan Handler).
James Brolin (Governor Robert Ritchie)
NBC
James Brolin played Robert Ritchie, the Republican governor of Florida. West Wingits fourth season. He became the Republican presidential candidate, running against President Bartlet.
Ty Burrell (Tom Starks)
NBC
In the second on-screen role of his career, Ty Burrell portrayed Tom Starks in an episode of the show’s 3rd season. West Wing. He played a Rotarian who meets with Sam (Rob Lowe) about a national seat belt law.
David Burtka (Intern Bruce)
NBC
Actor and chef David Burtka played an intern named Bruce. West Wingthird season. Donna (Janel Moloney) was in trouble when she discovered that the venison she had gifted herself had ended up on eBay for Bruce to make extra money.
Kate Burton (Sarah Brainerd)
NBC
Years before entering the political TV game ScandalSally Langston’s Kate Burton played Senator Sarah Brainerd. West Wing. He met with Toby to discuss Social Security and retirement age.
Glenn Close (Chief Justice Evelyn Baker Lang)
NBCU Photo Bank
Glenn Close was awarded West Wing with her Oscar-nominated presence in the show’s fifth season. She played Chief Justice Evelyn Baker Lang, a judge being considered for the Supreme Court.
Laura Dern (US Poet Laureate Tabatha Fortis)
NBC
Laura Dern joined West WingThis is her third season as U.S. Poet Laureate Tabatha Fortis. He spent time with Toby, who tried to convince him that he shouldn’t use his platform to speak out about landmines.
Taye Diggs (Secret Service Agent Wesley Davis)
NBCU Photo Bank
In the fourth season, Taye Diggs played Secret Service Agent Wesley Davis. The character found himself in the middle of a crisis when Zoey Bartlet (Elisabeth Moss) was kidnapped.
Hector Elizondo (Dr. Dalton Millgate)
NBC
Hector Elizondo becomes Dr. in the third season. Appeared as Dalton Millgate. He played Sam, a college professor who comes to talk to his former student about supercolliders.
Evan Handler (Douglas Wegland)
NBC
Before he made a name for himself Sex and the CityHarry Goldenblatt californicationCharlie Runkle or People / OJ SimpsonAlan Dershowitz’s Evan Handler played Douglas Wegland in three episodes of the series. West Wing. Appearing in the show’s third season, Wegland was a member of Bartlet’s re-election team and got along with Toby.
Rachael Harris (Corinne McKenna)
NBC
Rachael Harris joined the sixth season as Corinne McKenna. He played a Wind Now representative attending Josh’s Alternative Energy Summit at the White House.
Dennis Haskins (CEO Donor No. 2)
NBC
Shortly after hanging up his hat as Mr. Belding Saved by BellDennis Haskins had a small role West Wingthird season. He played an unnamed businessman who could be a potential donor for the Bartlet campaign and who witnesses a dark point in Leo’s past.
Felicity Huffman (Ann Stark)
NBC
After completing her run as Dana Whitaker Sports NightFelicity Huffman reunited with Sorkin for the season 2 episode. She played Ann Stark, chief of staff to the Senate majority leader, who finds herself in a war of sorts with Toby.
Christopher Lloyd (Professor Lawrence Lessig)
NBC
After returning to the future, Christopher Lloyd played Professor Lawrence Lessig in episode 6 of season 6. West Wing. He portrayed the real-life Constitution expert who came to the White House to help.
Jane Lynch (Anonymous Reporter)
NBC
Jane Lynch spent the early 2000s appearing on just about every show. Gilmore Girls, Dawson Creek, The X-Files, And West Wing. He found his way to the NBC drama as an unnamed reporter appearing in two episodes in the briefing room.
Yo-Yo Ma (Yo-Yo Ma)
NBC
Yo-Yo Ma made a rare appearance on TV in 2000, playing himself in the season 2 episode “Noël.” The famous musician was seen performing at the Congress’s Christmas party.
Nick Offerman (Jerry)
NBC
Long before he was Ron Swanson, Nick Offerman played Jerry in a 1999 episode of the political drama. Appearing in season 1’s “The Crackpots and These Women,” Offerman played a man who meets CJ face to face thanks to the Big Block of Cheese Day and uses it to defend a highway that only wolves can enter.
Pen and Counter (Pen and Counter)
Mitchell Haddad/NBC via Getty Images
Penn & Teller starred on their own in season six. It caused controversy when magicians performed at the White House and burned the American flag as part of their act.
Jeff Perry (Burt Ganz)
NBC
Jeff Perry also reached the White House long before his term. Scandal days I play Burt Ganz. Burt, an old friend of Toby’s, came to his office and ended up seeking protection under whistleblower laws for the chemical company’s violations.
Danny Pudi (Unnamed Deputy of Matt Santos)
NBC
Thanks to Danny Pudi, he got his first role on the big screen. West Wing. Future Society Star made her debut in 2006, playing the unnamed aide of presidential candidate Matt Santos in the series’ final season.
J.K. Simmons (Harry Ravitch)
NBC
JK Simmons found his place West Wing‘s final season. The future Oscar winner played Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Harry Ravitch, who becomes involved in the White House when a nuclear reactor becomes a problem.
Christian Slater (Lieutenant Commander Jack Reese)
NBC
More than a decade before he won a Golden Globe for his work on Mr RobotChristian Slater appeared in three episodes. West Wing. He joined the fourth season as Lieutenant Commander Jack Reese, a military aide who briefly begins a relationship with Donna.
Eric Stonestreet (Staff No. 1)
NBC
In one of his first TV roles, Eric Stonestreet played an unnamed White House official in the second season. The star would go on to win a pair of Emmy awards for her role. Modern Family—He is seen briefly during President Bartlet’s meeting with Oliver Babish (Oliver Platt).
James Taylor (James Taylor)
Mitch Haddad/NBCU Photo Bank
Legendary musician James Taylor portrayed himself in the season six episode “A Change Is Gonna Come.” He joined the show to perform in a depiction of the National Medal of Arts reception.
Liza Weil (Karen Larson)
NBC
Liza Weil got one of her first gigs as Karen Larson. West Wing. She joined the series the year she started playing Paris Gellar. Gilmore Girlsand more than ten years before it happened How to Get Away with Murder‘s Bonnie Weil was a well-intentioned intern working in the White House. She got Leo in trouble when she leaked sordid details about his past struggles with addiction.
Evan Rachel Wood (Hogan Cregg)
NBC
Early in her career, Evan Rachel Wood appeared in an episode of the show’s third season. He played CJ’s niece Hogan, who the press secretary takes to buy a prom dress.
Bellamy Young (MaryLou Meriwether)
NBC
In yet another political drama crossover, Bellamy Young found his way to the White House a few years before he started acting. ScandalMellie Grant. In 2004, Young appeared in an episode of the series. West Wing She stars as MaryLou Meriwether, a lawyer from North Carolina who meets with Josh about a copy of the Bill of Rights.
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