The Communications Director’s Backstory
Richard Schiff played Tobias Zachary “Toby” Ziegler, the Communications Director. Sorkin chose Ziegler over many other stars who auditioned for the role, including Eugene Levy. Without consulting Sorkin, Schiff created his own background story for his character. While Sorkin and executive producer Thomas Schlamme wanted Ziegler to be divorced, Schiff decided he was a widower and wore his own wedding ring on the show, something the series creators didn’t notice until the eight episode of the first season. His character was known for being rather morose. Schiff won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2000.
