Kathryn Joosten Dead at 72

Emmy-winning actress Kathryn Joosten died on Friday at age 72 after a brave and public battle with lung cancer.

In the recent series finale of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, her beloved Karen McCluskey passed away as well.

Joosten won Emmys in 2005 and 2008 in the Oustanding Guest Actress in a Comedy for her portrayal of Mrs. McCluskey.

Her DH co-stars took to Twitter on Saturday to share their grief.

Brenda Strong wrote: "To the memory of an extraordinary woman, actress and friend. Rest in Peace Kathryn Joosten.Wisteria Lane won't be the same without you. @EvaLongoria. @ReallyMarcia @FelicityHuffman"

Dana Delaney added: "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."

Soap fans also remember Joosten fondly for her roles as Mrs. Landingham, secretary to Martin Sheen’s President Bartlet, on THE WEST WING, and Ida Warren on GENERAL HOSPITAL.

While dying in the hospital of cancer in 1963, Joosten's mother shared that her biggest regret was not following her dreams. Joosten vowed, at that moment, that she would someday pursue her own dream of acting.  She was into her 40s before her acting career started to take off.