'Desperate Housewives' Star Kathryn Joosten Dies at 72

Actress Kathryn Joosten, best known as "Desperate Housewives'" most meddlesome neighbor Karen McKluskey, died Friday after a long battle with lung cancer. She was 72.

Joosten's death came less than three weeks after the emotional "Desperate Housewives" series finale, which saw the redemption and eventual death of Mrs. McKluskey as well.

Joosten won two Emmys for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her "Desperate" role, in 2005 and 2008, and was nominated for a third time in 2010.

Prior to her residence on Wisteria Lane, Joosten had another tony TV address: The White House. She played Mrs. Landingham, President Bartlet's (Martin Sheen) secretary on "The West Wing" for the series' first two seasons until her character died in a car accident.

She also had memorable TV roles on "Scrubs," "Joan of Arcadia," "My Name Is Earl," "General Hospital" and "Dharma & Greg."

Joosten was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001. The cancer returned in September 2009. After Joosten underwent surgery and chemotherapy treatments, she was officially declared cancer-free in January 2010. She was an advocate for lung cancer awareness and research, even doing speaking engagements about her battle.

Dana Delany was the first of Joosten's "Desperate" costars to react to the new on Twitter:

Dana Delany Very sad to hear of 's death. She was a salt-of-the earth nurse who became a brilliant actor. Her comic timing was nonpareil.
Dana Delany

Kathryn spoke openly and passionately about her fight with lung cancer. It is our loss that she is gone.

According to TVLine, her rep said that Joosten was surrounded by family at the time of her death.

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