by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Brendan Kownacki
“When ‘The West Wing’ lights up on our screens, every swell of the opening theme, every fast talking, fast walking journey through seemingly endless halls, every performance changes how we see the public servants behind these white walls striving for a better tomorrow” said Dr. Jill Biden, welcoming cast and crew members of the TV Show “The West Wing” to the White House, in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary.
There couldn’t be a more appropriate setting for the celebration of a show that took place in The White House, following the fictional Bartlett administration as it navigated workplace drama and political pitfalls. One thing that the show did over its entire run was paint a picture that working in public service can make a difference in the world and that striving for an idealized ending wasn’t always in vain.
The First Lady led members of the cast along with creator Aaron Sorkin and director Tommy Schlamme from the Oval Office into the Rose Garden to commemorate the special occasion and applaud the characters and storylines that inspired many to take a chance on Washington in hopes of making a difference.
Aaron Sorkin
“I’m grateful to everyone on stage for taking the time to be here because your work inspired so many to step forward and serve our country” continued Dr. Biden. “Maybe even some of the people here today working in Congress at nonprofits or on political campaigns or at the White House. That’s the power of storytelling.”
The halls of the executive mansion leading to the South Lawn were filled with photos and memorabilia from the show, including a paper model of the fictional White House that was built on the Warner Brothers lot during production. Visitors had a chance to look at scripts and props that all contributed to the show’s successful 7-year run on NBC, and a continued interest from audiences since the show concluded in 2006.
Dr. Biden continued that every new hire feels like an addition to her own family and that she sees the team at the White House aspiring for a better world and it reminds her of the vision that is set forth in the fictional TV world of “The West Wing.” The real world may have more intense problems, but the reach for success isn’t imagined. “So anytime we begin to slip into cynicism or apathy, we just have to remember Jed Bartlett’s White House, a place where there are big blocks of cheese and everyone belongs. Where you do good. That’s the story “The West Wing” showed the nation, this family that we create here dedicated to a purpose greater than any one of us.”
Martin Sheen
Next up to the podium was Martin Sheen. To many, the veteran actor is only a shadow compared to the President that he played on the series. His character Jed Bartlett was a scholar and philosopher as a leader, often known for quoting scripture and Irish proverbs. Luckily for anyone craving those characteristics, they are true to form for Martin. Sheen delivered a rousing Irish proverb about doing something in life that is worth fighting for, and then thanked his fellow castmates and Aaron Sorkin for conceiving such a life-changing character. Sheen had recently visited the White House and surprised reporters to promote the new Book “What’s Next” – a backstage look at the series written by fellow cast members.
Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack
Last to speak with series creator Aaron Sorkin, who is often known for his punchy, biting dialogue, and analytical storytelling. The writer and producer beamed with pride as he introduced his cast.
“Richard Schiff is here, along with Janelle Maloney and Dule Hill, Melissa Fitzgerald, Mary McCormick, Emily Proctor, and of course Martin Sheen…Brad Whitford, Rob Lowe, and Allison Janney are all on set today and were unable to make it. The rest of us are apparently unemployed” he quipped.
“Not Yet” responded The First Lady, earning bubbly laughter from the crowd.
The nostalgia factor rang high, seeing this group of people all gathered together, especially in the real White House. The cast has reunited numerous times in the last decade to support each others’ accomplishments or to support causes, but this anniversary felt special because of everything it stood for.
“The West Wing had no political agenda. We were trying to do a good show every week, but the greatest delivery system ever invented for an idea is a story. And once in a while, we’ll hear from someone who was inspired to go into public service because of our show. And that’s something that 25 years ago this week, none of us could have foreseen or even dared to hope for. The show was idealistic, aspirational, and romantic” said Sorkin, reflecting on the legacy of his show, 25 years later.
“Over the years, I’ve noticed that during times of peak political tension, pundits will warn us not to expect a West Wing moment. They mean not to expect a selfless, active statesmanship, not to expect anyone to put country first. Don’t expect anyone to swing for the fences or reach for the stars. But the fact is West wing moments do happen, and Dr. Biden, we saw proof of that on the morning of July 21st” he continued, referencing the decision of President Joe Biden leaving the 2024 election. “That was the kind of thing we tell stories about.”
