John Aylward, 'ER' and 'The West Wing' actor, dies at 75

Actor John Aylward, seen here in his role as Dr. Donald Anspaugh in popular medical drama 'ER', died Monday from natural causes. He was 75.

John Aylward, the actor best known for his recurring roles in popular NBC dramas ER and The West Wing, died Monday in Seattle from natural causes, his agent Mitchell K. Stubbs confirmed to Variety. He was 75.

Born and raised in Seattle, Aylward graduated from the University of Washington's school of drama in 1970. He got his start as a theater actor, founding Seattle's Empty Space Theatre in 1973. He served as a regular in Seattle Repertory Theatre for 15 years.