Desperate Housewives actress Kathryn Joosten Dies Aged 72

Actress Kathryn Joosten has died at the age of 72.

The actress was most recently seen on the finale of ABC’s Desperate Housewives. Joosten played the nonsense Wisteria Lane resident Karen McKluskey. The actress made her first appearance in Desperate Housewives midway through its first season. At one stage there was talk of a spin-off revolving around the character such was her popularity with viewers. The role of Karen McKluskey also earned Joosten two Emmy awards – in 2005 and 2008.

While appearing in Desperate Housewives Joosten continued to make appearances in other soaps. Notably she appeared as herself in the 6000th episode of CBS daytime soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. The actress also appeared in NBC drama Harry’s Law and CBS drama The Mentalist earlier this year.

Prior to Desperate Housewives the actress was known for her role of Dolores Landingham in the political drama The West Wing. Joosten also appeared in shows such as Scrubs, Joan of Arcadia, Judging Amy, General Hospital, The X Files, Spin City and NYPD Blue.

According to reports Joosten died from lung cancer surrounded by her family.