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+.