Desperate Housewives actress Kathryn Joosten died of lung cancer earlier today in Westlake Village, a community about 40 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Joosten, a two-time Emmy winner for her nosy neighbor in the popular television series, was 72.
A former Disney World street performer, Joosten’s was best known for her television work. In addition to playing opposite Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Strong, and Eva Longoria in Desperate Housewives, Joosten had recurring roles in Ally McBeal, Dharma & Greg, and The West Wing, and guested in numerous TV shows.
Kathryn Joosten could also be spotted in about twenty movies, almost invariably in small supporting roles or bit parts. She was Will Ferrell’s mother in the box office smash Wedding Crashers; Finn Carter’s mother in the apparently direct-to-video Halfway Decent; and Aunt Jackie in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. Joosten’s last film role was in André Gordon’s 2011 (as per the IMDb) 18-minute short Wish Wizard, which also features Morgan Freeman and Ed Begley Jr.
Additionally, as per the IMDb Joosten was cast in Escort Service, a comedy starring Rebecca De Mornay and Clint Howard, and scheduled for a 2013 release. The IMDb lists Escort Service as being in “pre-production,” which means Joosten’s role will have to be recast.
Kathryn Joosten picture via kathrynjoosten.com, where you can find more pictures and biographical information on the actress.