Kathryn Joosten Dies: Emmy Award-winning Actress Succumbs To Cancer

Kathryn Joosten dies at 72

Kathryn Joosten has died in Los Angeles on Saturday, after a long battle with cancer. She was 72.

Kathryn Joosten was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001. She was reportedly surrounded by her family and friends at the time of her passing.

Joosten was best known for her regular role as Karen McCluskey in "Desperate Housewives," which won her two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, and for her recurring role in The West Wing as Presidential secretary Dolores Landingham. She had also recurred on "Dharma and Greg," and guest-starred on many hit television series such as "My Name Is earl, 'Becker," "Arli$$," "Ally McBeal," "Providence" and over twenty other prime time shows.

Before kicking off her acting career at age 42, Joosten worked as a psychiatric nurse at Michael Reese Hospital, in Chicago.