Kathryn Joosten Dies: Mrs. McClusky of 'Desperate Housewives' Remembered
Kathryn Joosten, who starred as the grumpy Mrs. McClusky on "Desperate Housewives," has died at age 72 on Friday.
The actress died of lung cancer at her Westlake Village home, her daughter-in-law, Jeremy Joosten, told The New York Times.
"Kathryn succumbed to her 11-year battle with lung cancer today… surrounded by love and humor till the end," her family said in a statement. "We are laughing through our tears. We love you, Kathy, thanks for everything."
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Joosten, a 2-time Emmy Award-winner, did not begin acting until age 42. She had never even been to Hollywood until her 50s, and she assumed her most notable role on "Desperate Housewives" at age 59.
A resident on Wisteria Lane in ABC's famous series, Joosten appeared on "Desperate Housewives" in a star-studded cast including Eva Longoria and Felicity Huffman.
Huffman, who appeared onscreen beside Joosten the most of all "Desperate" characters, took to Twitter in remembrance following the news.
"All my prayers and love to Kathryn Joosten's family. Rest in peace. She was an amazing woman and a wonderful actress," wrote the actress.
"Desperate" star Longoria also honored her late co-star.
"My heart and prayers go out to the family of Kathryn Joosten! She was an amazing actress and an even better human being! #MsMcCluskey"
The hit television series wrapped its eighty and final season earlier this year.
Additionally, the actress appeared on NBC's "The West Wing" as well as other popular television series such as "Dharma & Greg," "Ally McBeal," and "Scrubs."
"So far, I am a cancer survivor," wrote Joosten in a first-person story in 2011 for the Times. "My first was in 2001 and my second was in 2009, two completely different lung cancers, one on each side. I am the only 'celebrity' to be public about my lung cancer."
"But cancer will be with me for the rest of my life, be it as a nodule, tumor or cell someplace, or in my fears and anxieties," the actress continued. "Therefore I've decided that I am 'living with cancer.'"
Many fans of Joosten are posting messages of remembrance and expressing their inspiration that is rooted in her late-blossoming career.
"The next time you think you're too old to do something big, that's when you should remember Kathryn Joosten," posted Nick.
"R.I.P. Kathryn Joosten," wrote Chanel. "so sad and ironic how her character on Desperate Housewives just died 2 weeks ago and now she's gone for real"
Rob posted, "RIP Kathryn Joosten aka Mrs. McClusky on Desperate Housewives. One of my favorite characters on the show. #ThankYou."
"Definitely one of my favorite DH characters," wrote Kara. "RIP."
Joosten is survived by her two sons, Jonathan and TImothy, and two grandsons. The family indicated that it would hold a private service her her home, and there would be a memorial service soon.
