Few dramas have been able to captivate audiences the way The West Wing did between 1999-2006. Shining an in-depth look into the world of American politics, the show told compelling stories ripped straight from the headlines. Through the brilliant writing of creator Aaron Sorkin and the superb acting by its main characters, the show remains as entertaining today as it did during its premier run. It created an idealism about American politics that still resonates today.
Part of what made the show so successful were the characters audiences got to know, love, and occasionally hate over the series seven seasons. With a diverse cast of characters, each one contributes to the shows lasting impact, but which one reins supreme among the White House staffers? Let’s examine.
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9 Donna Moss - Janel Moloney
Warner Bros. Television Distribution
Donna Moss is one of the most likable characters throughout the series. She is also the only assistant character we get to spend substantial time with among the staff. As senior adviser to White House Deputy Chief of Staff, Josh Lyman, we see a lot of Janel Moloney’s Donna over the years and get to watch her grow as a character.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
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8 Will Bailey - Joshua Malina
Warner Bros. Television Distribution
Following the initial departure of Rob Lowe from the series, it is Joshua Malina as Will Bailey who filled the position as the President’s Deputy White House Communications Director. Malina brought a different personality than Lowe to the position and also went on to bigger and brighter roles outside the White House. Malina’s performance as Will Bailey brought the character to life unlike any other actor could have.
7 Sam Seaborn - Rob Lowe
Speaking of Rob Lowe, his character of Sam Seaborn was originally portrayed as the lead of the series before the supporting actors and their characters began to shine and Seaborn was relegated to a more traditional supporting character. We see Seaborn struggle with choices throughout his time on the show and this is a credit to the way Lowe plays him. Series creator Aaron Sorkin continues to state that Lowe’s audition for Sam Seaborn left jaws on the floor and this comes across during the series. It is not just one of the best performances on The West Wing, but one of the best performances of Lowe’s career.
6 Toby Ziegler - Richard Schiff
Richard Schiff is a seasoned television and movie actor, but will most likely always be known for his tenure as Toby Ziegler on The West Wing. Toby, who is the White House Communications Director, has, at times, a rocky road while serving the President and faces several moral conundrums throughout his run. It is Schiff’s performance as Toby that allows the audience to feel for, while not always agreeing with, the character. His performance even won him a Prime Time Emmy in 2000.
5 Charlie Young - Dule Hill
Charlie Young is the most relatable character on The West Wing. He enters the White House as a personal aid to the President, and we get to watch and learn along with him as the character grows throughout the series. A young Dule Hill plays the green-around-the-gills Charlie Young so well, and the character evolution is some of the best on television.
4 Josh Lyman - Bradley Whitford
One of the President’s staunchest allies on his staff is Josh Lyman, played by Bradley Whitford. As the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, Josh is one of the closest people to the president. Whitford plays Josh with such intensity that his performance, much like his costar Richard Schiff, earned him a Primetime Emmy in 2001.
3 Leo McGarry - John Spencer
Acclaimed television actor John Spencer is a standout on the series as the President’s oldest friend and Chief of Staff, Leo McGarry. His performance as the grizzled right-hand man to the President is some of the best acting in television history and earned him an Emmy as well in 2002. Leo was even poised to become the Vice President in the show’s final season. Sadly, Spencer passed away in 2005 and altered the show’s trajectory.
2 C.J. Cregg - Allison Janney
Allison Janney firmly cemented her presence in Hollywood with the role of C.J. Cregg on The West Wing. Her powerhouse performances helped to carry the show to the successes it saw throughout the series. Her performance won her not just one, but four Emmy Awards, four Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four Golden Globe nominations. That alone speaks volumes about Janney’s portrayal of C.J. Cregg and firmly cements it as one of the best of her career.
1 President Josiah Bartlet - Martin Sheen
The leader of the free world, the head of state, and the top of the list when it comes to The West Wing characters. President Bartlet is portrayed as the ideal President and unfortunately, the only one that could exist in fiction. Despite being known primarily for his work in movies, it is the charisma, wittiness, and warmth of Martin Sheen that helps to bring Bartlet to life. We laugh with him, cry with him, feel as those he is someone we would want to lead our nation. A big part of this is the writing of Sorkin, but an even larger part if the dedication Sheen puts into the character.
