Kathryn Joosten, Veteran Desperate Housewives Actress, Passes Away at 72
Kathryn Joosten, a veteran actress best known for roles on The West Wing and Desperate Housewives, passed away yesterday in Westlake Village, California from lung cancer. She was 72.
The multiple-time Emmy Award winner portrayed Karen McKluskey for many years on Wisteria Lane, actually succumbing on that series during its final season as well.
Prior to that beloved role, Joosten served as Mrs. Landingham, the main secretary to Martin Sheen’s President Bartlet, on The West Wing. That character also famously died to close that show's second season.
Joosten also appeared on Scrubs, My Name Is Earl, Joan of Arcadia and Dharma & Greg. Our thoughts go out to her family.
Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.
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June 13th, 2012 9:01 PM
Just catching up to this - I was disappointed that TV.com didn't even mention this on their website. I was saddened when I heard the news. She was terrific on DH, but for me she will always be Delores Landingham on The West Wing, where her character made us laugh and cry. She will be deeply missed.
Rank: Guest Star
June 8th, 2012 7:04 PM
R.I.P. Kathryn, you will be greatly missed. You were a great actress that made me laugh, cry on Desperate Housewives.
Rank: Regular Character
June 4th, 2012 2:34 PM
oh my god! she was there till DH ended! she was one awesome woman
May she rest in peace.
June 4th, 2012 12:53 AM
Loved that finale scene of DH.
R.I.P. Kathryn Joosten.
June 2nd, 2012 9:49 PM
RIP mrs mclusky :(
June 2nd, 2012 8:22 PM
loved her last scenes in dessy hws 'i killed the son of a bitch' go mrs mc clusky!
Rank: Leading Character
June 2nd, 2012 7:42 PM
She was an amazing actress and an extremely funny person. May she Rest in Peace.
June 2nd, 2012 4:57 PM
wow.. She may rest in peace, loved and respected her in the business greatly...