wanna help with my west wing race!swap casting?

[lirazel]

I'm really pleased with everyone I've cast so far, but there are two people I just can't find the right person for. It's really annoying.

I need someone to play Leo who can play grumpy old man but also have warmth and humor and dignity like John Spencer. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO FIND SOMEONE.

I also need someone for Danny, and I also CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHO TO CAST.

Oh, and they need to be people who might realistically be on television. So no suggestions of Morgan Freeman, as much as I love him, okay?

Do y'all have any thoughts? Any thoughts at all?

Comments

[ruuger]

I need someone to play Leo who can play grumpy old man but also have warmth and humor and dignity like John Spencer. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO FIND SOMEONE.

Ossie Davis?

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

That's a really fabulous suggestion, except that he's dead, and I'm trying to stick with people who might realistically be cast. But thanks!

[next_to_normal]

Well, so is John Spencer... :(

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

I know! So sad! But he wasn't at the time!

[magisterequitum.livejournal.com]

Morgan Freeman for Leo. LOL.

No really, okay. Hmm... I'll be back with a legit answer.

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

Ha!

Thanks!

[zombie_boogie.livejournal.com]

Leslie David Baker, who plays Stanley on The Office? Keep in mind that I've never seen TWW, I'm only basing this off your description of "grumpy old man" and "humour and dignity" (Stanley doesn't often show warmth, but I'm sure the actor could pull it off).

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

He cracks me up so much!

[pocochina.livejournal.com]

haha Morgan Freeman was completely going to be my suggestion for Leo before I scrolled down. You have foiled my every move. Is it totally a cheat to say John Amos (Fitzwallace)? because. If so I nominate Harry Lennix.

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

I know, right?

Oooh! No, I don't think that's a cheat--and he's great! I'm gonna ponder this. Thanks!

[agnes-bean.livejournal.com]

I need someone to play Leo who can play grumpy old man but also have warmth and humor and dignity like John Spencer.

I haven't watched The West Wing, but "grumpy old man who can also have warmth and humor and dignity" kind of reminds me of James Pickens, Jr's portrayal of Chief Webber on Grey's Anatomy. Oh, or Clarke Peters could work (he played Lester Freamon on The Wire and is generally amazing)

Clarke Peters as Lester: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b54EEpdv9q8, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBqyOj39rEo&feature=related

James Pickens Jr as Webber: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V-113oQTVI&feature=related, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72PMe_fGSXI,

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

Oooh! Great suggestions! Thank you!

[agnes-bean.livejournal.com]

No problem! I love race (and gender) swap castings, but never manage to do my own, so it's fun to help! (I also really like the Ron Glass suggestion).

[elisi]

Ron Glass? (Book on 'Firefly'.) I think he could definitely pull off Leo!

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

That's so funny! He just popped into my head, too! It's definitely a thought--thank you!

[gingerwall.livejournal.com]

Robert Guillaume? (Known to me as Isaac from Sports Night).

He's already worked with Sorkin, so it's a realistic choice. And he's good at playing the hard-ass old-man boss who really has a heart of gold and cares about his people, and negotiates difficult politics with integrity.

I know he had some health problems while they were filming the end of SN, but according to IMDB he's been working lately, so I assume he got better.

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

OH THAT IS AN EXCELLENT SUGGESTION.

Up till now I was sort of leaning towards Ron Glass, but OMG I think I may have found my Leo. THANK YOU!

[gingerwall.livejournal.com]

Hehe! No problem. My knowledge of TV actors is limited, so I'm glad I could help this time. :)

He is pretty perfect for the part.