Desperate Housewives star and Emmy Award-winner Kathryn Joosten dies at 72 after losing battle with lung cancer

Kathryn Joosten has died at the age of 72.
Many will know the Desperate Housewives actress for her portrayal of crabby Karen McCluskey, one of the residents of Wisteria Lane.
The Emmy Award-winning star, who did not join the world of showbiz until she was 42, passed away today after losing a battle with lung cancer.

Saying it with a smile: Kathryn Joosten - who has tragically died aged 72 - is seen arriving at The Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences' 21st Annual Hall Of Fame Gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel in March

A spokesperson for the star has said that Kathryn died at home in Westlake Village, California, with her family by her side.
Her representative Nadine Jolson told E! News: Kathryn passed away this morning after a valiant fight against her cancer.

 

'Her family was with her. Funeral arrangements are pending. This is a terrible loss, and she fought as hard as she could.'
Kathryn was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001 before eventually surrendering her 45-year nicotine habit.

The gang: Kathryn starred with the famous four - Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman and Teri Hatcher

Shining star: Kathryn arrives at the 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in LA last September

She was diagnosed for a second time in September 2009, when she was forced to endure surgery and several chemotherapy sessions until she was given the all clear four months later.
Her Desperate Housewives co-stars on the show have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Kathryn, with Felicity Huffman writing: 'All my prayers and love to Katherine Joosten's family. Rest in peace, she was an amazing woman and a wonderful actress.'
Marcia Cross, who was seen looking somber today, wrote: 'Thank you Kathryn. For your courage, your humor, your fight and your talent. We were so lucky to have you. xo xo xo m'

Memorable character: Kathryn on screen with Marcia (as Bree) and Orsen Bean (who played husband Roy)

Brenda Strong, who played Mary Alice Young and narrated the series, said: 'To the memory of an extraordinary woman, actress and friend. Rest in Peace Kathryn Joosten.Wisteria Lane won't be the same without you.'
Dana Delaney (who played Katherine Mayfair) tweeted: 'Very sad to hear of @KathyJoosten's death. She was a salt-of-the earth nurse who became a brilliant actor. Her comic timing was nonpareil.'
Her career spanned an impressive 25 year period, after she began acting classes in the 1980s and quit her regular job as a psychiatric nurse.

Paying tribute: Marcia Cross, who tweeted tanks to Kathryn, looked somber today while running errands

Kathryn's television credits include early roles in ER, Roseanne, Seinfeld and Frasier.
She later scored more recent jobs in Scrubs, The Bold And The Beautiful and even loaned her vocals to animation Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.
The Florida-born star was cast opposite Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria and Felicity Huffman in Marc Cherry's ABC series in 2005 - starring in all eight seasons of the show.
In 2005 and 2008, Kathryn was honoured with an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy for her role as annoying neighbour Karen.