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Kathryn Joosten

Kathryn Joosten

Date of Birth

Date of Birth: December 20, 1939
Date of Passing: June 02, 2012
Birthplace: Eustis, Florida
Obituary: Kathryn Joosten, Primetime Emmy-Winning Actress and Television Academy Governor

Kathryn Joosten (1939-2012) portrayed “Karen McCluskey” for eight years on ABC series Desperate Housewives – a role for which she won two Primetime Emmy® Awards. A former psychiatric nurse, Joosten switched gears into acting at the age of 42.

Kathryn Joosten (1939-2012) portrayed “Karen McCluskey” for eight years on ABC series Desperate Housewives – a role for which she won two Primetime Emmy® Awards. A former psychiatric nurse, Joosten switched gears into acting at the age of 42. She has made guest appearances in such popular television series as Home Improvement, Dharma & Greg, Las Vegas, The Drew Carey Show, Frazier, Just Shoot Me!, ER and Seinfeld. Joosten appeared alongside Will Ferrell in Wedding Crashers and as “Aunt Jackie” in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.

Joosten, who succumbed to lung cancer on June 1, 2012, also served as a governor of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. (See the official Television Academy statement acknowledging Joosten's passing.) 

 

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Awards & Nominations

4 Nominations | 2 Emmys
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series - 2012
  • Nominee
  • Kathryn Joosten, as Karen McCluskey
  • Desperate Housewives
  • ABC
  • A Cherry Production in association with ABC Studios
    •
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series - 2010
  • Nominee
  • Kathryn Joosten, as Karen McCluskey
  • Desperate Housewives
  • "The Chase"
  • ABC
  • A Cherry Production in association with ABC Studios
    •
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series - 2008
  • Winner
  • Kathryn Joosten, as Karen McCluskey
  • Desperate Housewives
  • ABC
  • A Cherry Production in association with ABC Studios
    •
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series - 2005
  • Winner
  • Kathryn Joosten, as Mrs. McClusky
  • Desperate Housewives
  • ABC
  • A Cherry Production in association with Touchstone Television
    •

The Television Academy database lists prime-time Emmy information. Click here to learn more

Kathryn Joosten arrives at the 21st Annual Hall of Fame Gala
Kathryn Joosten arrives at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
Brian Sheesley and Kathryn Joosten
Actress Kathryn Joosten (L) attends Governor's Ball during the 62nd Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre
Lily Tomlin and Kathryn Joosten at the 62nd Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards
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Kathryn Joosten arrives at the 21st Annual Hall of Fame Gala
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PictureGroup
Kathryn Joosten arrives at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
Brian Sheesley and Kathryn Joosten
Actress Kathryn Joosten (L) attends Governor's Ball during the 62nd Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre
Lily Tomlin and Kathryn Joosten at the 62nd Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards
Camera
Mathew Imaging
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