Martin Sheen, more 'West Wing' stars reunite on Oval Office set at Emmys
President Bartlet is in the house at the Emmys.
"The West Wing" stars Martin Sheen, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff and Allison Janney reunited at Sunday's Emmys to present the award for outstanding drama series. The former co-stars celebrated the 25th anniversary of the show while appearing together on an Oval Office set, with Sheen initially sitting behind the desk.
During the introduction, Janney joked that when "The West Wing" originally aired, its writers "actually had to use their imaginations to create interesting plot lines" for the political drama.
Today, "storylines can be plucked right off the news, storylines that writers would have deemed a bit far-fetched if not utterly ridiculous 25 years ago," Schiff quipped. But Moloney said that while the political landscape has changed dramatically since then, the "importance of everyone making sure to be registered and to vote" hasn't.
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"The West Wing," which centered on the staff of a fictional American president played by Sheen, premiered on NBC on Sept. 22, 1999, and ran until 2006. The acclaimed series created by Aaron Sorkin won 26 Emmys throughout its run, including four consecutive wins for outstanding drama series.
The show's cast has sporadically reunited since its conclusion, including for a benefit on Max ahead of the 2020 election. Original cast members Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack published a book about the show, "What's Next," last month.
Sheen also made an appearance at the White House in August, and according to Deadline, an event at the White House to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the show will take place on Friday.
Where was Bradley Whitford during 'West Wing' reunion? Actor misses Emmys moment
One original "West Wing" actor noticeably missing from the Emmys reunion was Bradley Whitford, who played Josh Lyman.
Ahead of the Emmys ceremony, Whitford took to X to say it "breaks my heart" to miss the Emmys and the upcoming White House event, but he said he is busy filming in Budapest. In lieu of his attendance, the actor shared some reflections on "The West Wing" anniversary on social media.
"My God, the writing on 'The West Wing,'" he wrote. "Those characters. Played by people I love and admire and get to be part of a family with for the rest of my life."
Whitford added, "So what’s next? To celebrate our anniversary, I hope you will check your voter registration and make a plan to vote!!!"
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Martin Sheen, more 'West Wing' stars have reunion at Emmys
