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Kathryn Joosten (1939–2012)

Actress

Kathryn is best known for her portrayals of "Karen McCluskey" on Desperate Housewives on ABC and of "Mrs. Landingham", secretary to the President (Martin Sheen), on the critically-acclaimed NBC drama, The West Wing. She has also recurred on Dharma & Greg, and guest-starred on many hit television series... See full bio »

Born:

Kathryn Rausch
in Chicago, Illinois, USA

Died:

(age 72) in Westlake Village, California, USA
Kathryn Joosten Still of Kathryn Joosten in Desperate Housewives Still of Dana Delany, Kathryn Joosten and Eva Longoria in Desperate Housewives Still of Vanessa Williams, Felicity Huffman, Ricardo Chavira, Marcia Cross, Kathryn Joosten, Eva Longoria, Charles Mesure and Tuc Watkins in Desperate Housewives Still of Teri Hatcher and Kathryn Joosten in Desperate Housewives Still of Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Kathryn Joosten and Eva Longoria in Desperate Housewives
32 photos | 24 videos | 259 news articles »

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Francine Locke Film Reel -- Family Law (Best Actress, Gideon), Stealing Home (Best Supporting Actress-nom.) 168 Project, True Tale Monster (Albert P. Weisman Award), The Discarded (2011 Feature Release).

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Franklin Ojeda Smith - -- "...back in the day the 'barb wire' was more visible" and early on I chose baseball over acting; then academia and not baseball. Now,"...the kids are grown, the dog is dead and now that I may, I choose acting." Please take a look: 1)Boardwalk Empire - Deacon Cuffy 2)Murder Incorporated - Sam Christenson 3)Cayman Went - Aniston Turnkey 4)Letting Go -Therapist 5)Footsteps in the Sand - Jim. Thank You! Franklin

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Won 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 win & 4 nominations See more awards »

Known For


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Filmography

Hide HideActress (115 titles)
2005-2012 Desperate Housewives (TV series)
Karen McCluskey
– Finishing the Hat (2012) … Karen McCluskey
– Give Me the Blame (2012) … Karen McCluskey
– Women and Death (2012) … Karen McCluskey
– You Take for Granted (2012) … Karen McCluskey
– She Needs Me (2012) … Karen McCluskey
See all 87 episodes »
 
2012 Harry's Law (TV series)
Maisie Joyce
– Class War (2012) … Maisie Joyce
 
2012 The Mentalist (TV series)
Gloria Williams
– At First Blush (2012) … Gloria Williams
 
2011 The Cleveland Show (TV series)
Hazel
– Sex and the Biddy (2011) … Hazel (voice)
 
2011 Mega Python vs. Gatoroid (TV movie)
Angie Polk
 
2011 Wild Card (TV series)
– The Pilot
 
2011 Wish Wizard (short)
Mrs. Inkwell
 
2010 The Committee Ep. 2: Butterfly Enclosure (video short)
 
2010 The Committee Ep 1: Bad Dog (video short)
 
2009 Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
Aunt Jackie
 
2009 The Bake Shop Ghost (short)
Miss Cora Lee Merriweather
 
2001-2009 Scrubs (TV series)
Mrs. Tanner
– My Finale: Part 2 (2009) … Mrs. Tanner (uncredited)
– My First Kill (2004) … Mrs. Tanner
– My Old Lady (2001) … Mrs. Tanner
 
2008 Bedtime Stories
Mrs. Dixon
 
2003-2008 Monk (TV series)
Neysa Gordon - Former Babysitter / Nurse Stempel
– Mr. Monk's 100th Case (2008) … Neysa Gordon - Former Babysitter
– Mr. Monk and the Sleeping Suspect (2003) … Nurse Stempel
 
2008 The Gold Lunch (short)
Judge
 
2005-2008 My Name Is Earl (TV series)
Donny's Mom
– Camdenites: Part 1 (2008) … Donny's Mom
– Quit Smoking (2005) … Donny's Mom
 
2008 Las Vegas (TV series)
Robby
– Win, Place, Bingo (2008) … Robby
 
2007 Rails & Ties
Mrs. Brown
 
2007 The Closer (TV series)
Nurse Townsend
– The Round File (2007) … Nurse Townsend
 
2007 In Case of Emergency (TV series)
Mrs Walsh
– The Picture (2007) … Mrs Walsh
 
2007 Jane Doe: Ties That Bind (TV movie)
Cara Goodman
 
2006 Saved (TV series)
Evelyn Wilson
– Who Do You Trust? (2006) … Evelyn Wilson
 
2006 The Evidence (TV series)
Midge
– And the Envelope Please (2006) … Midge
 
2006 The TV Set
Lois
 
2006 The Suite Life of Zack and Cody (TV series)
Grandma Marilyn
– Not So Suite 16 (2006) … Grandma Marilyn (as Katherine Joosten)
 
2006 Dark Mind
Nurse
 
2006 Reba (TV series)
Director
– Brock's Got Stones (2006) … Director
 
2005 Cheaper by the Dozen 2
Theatre Patron
 
2005 Malcolm in the Middle (TV series)
Claire
– Malcolm Defends Reese (2005) … Claire
 
2005 Love, Inc. (TV series)
Doris
– The Honeymooners (2005) … Doris
 
2005 Halfway Decent
Bonnie's Mom
 
2005 Breadwinners (TV movie)
Phyllis
 
2005 Wedding Crashers
Chazz's Mom
 
2005 Grey's Anatomy (TV series)
Stephanie Drake
– Shake Your Groove Thing (2005) … Stephanie Drake
 
2005 Fathers and Sons (TV movie)
Gene's Mom (uncredited)
 
2003-2005 Joan of Arcadia (TV series)
Old Lady God
– Common Thread (2005) … Old Lady God
– Trial and Error (2005) … Old Lady God
– Independence Day (2005) … Old Lady God
– Out of Sight (2004) … Old Lady God
– Only Connect (2004) … Old Lady God
See all 8 episodes »
 
2005 Taking Your Life
Helen
 
2005 Hostage
Louise
 
2005 McBride: It's Murder, Madam (TV movie)
Judge Broderick
 
2004 Breaking Dawn
Neighbor
 
2004 Gilmore Girls (TV series)
Maisy Fortner
– Written in the Stars (2004) … Maisy Fortner
 
2004 Father of the Pride (TV series)
– Catnip and Trust (2004) (voice)
 
2004 Combustion (TV movie)
Miss Knight
 
2004 Everwood (TV series)
Mrs. Hammerhill
– Last Looks (2004) … Mrs. Hammerhill
 
2004 Life with Bonnie (TV series)
Phyllis
– Therabeautic (2004) … Phyllis
 
2004 Yes, Dear (TV series)
Claire Atkinson
– Dead Aunt, Dead Aunt... (2004) … Claire Atkinson (as Kathryn Joostyn)
 
2004 Will & Grace (TV series)
Felicia
– Ice Cream Balls (2004) … Felicia
 
2004 10-8: Officers on Duty (TV series)
Mrs Unterberger
– Wild and the Innocent (2004) … Mrs Unterberger
 
2004 Curb Your Enthusiasm (TV series)
Jenny - Woman at Reception
– The Weatherman (2004) … Jenny - Woman at Reception
 
2003 The King of Queens (TV series)
Maureen
– Santa Claustrophobia (2003) … Maureen
 
2003 Secret Santa (TV movie)
Winifred
 
2003 Red Roses and Petrol
Nurse
 
2003 Strong Medicine (TV series)
Mrs. Nolan
– Coming Clean (2003) … Mrs. Nolan
 
2003 Less Than Perfect (TV series)
Old Lady
– Rules (2003) … Old Lady
 
2003 Charmed (TV series)
Wife
– My Three Witches (2003) … Wife
 
2003 Hope & Faith (TV series)
Funeral Guest
– Remembrance of Rings Past (2003) … Funeral Guest (uncredited)
 
2003 Wasabi Tuna
Erma
 
1998-2003 The Drew Carey Show (TV series)
Natalie / Ruth
– A Speedy Recovery (2003) … Natalie
– Drew Dates a Senior (1998) … Ruth
 
2003 A.U.S.A. (TV series)
Ginny Romano
– The Kiss (2003) … Ginny Romano
– Pilot (2003) … Ginny Romano
 
2003 Judging Amy (TV series)
Judge Drabowsky
– Wild Card (2003) … Judge Drabowsky
 
2002-2003 General Hospital (TV series)
Ida Warren
– Episode #1.10183 (2003) … Ida Warren
– Episode #1.10182 (2003) … Ida Warren
– Episode #1.10180 (2002) … Ida Warren
– Episode #1.10179 (2002) … Ida Warren
– Episode #1.10178 (2002) … Ida Warren
 
2003 Highway to Oblivion (TV movie)
Nancy
 
2002 Even Stevens (TV series)
Edna Manning
– Stevens Manor (2002) … Edna Manning
 
1999-2002 The West Wing (TV series)
Mrs. Landingham / Dolores Landingham
– Debate Camp (2002) … Dolores Landingham
– Bartlet for America (2001) … Dolores Landingham
– Two Cathedrals (2001) … Dolores Landingham
– 18th and Potomac (2001) … Dolores Landingham
– Bad Moon Rising (2001) … Dolores Landingham
See all 30 episodes »
 
2002 Cojones (short)
Old Lady
 
2002 So Little Time (TV series)
Louise Van Horn
– The Volunteer (2002) … Louise Van Horn
 
2002 The Division (TV series)
Constance 'Connie ' Langtry
– Journey (2002) … Constance 'Connie ' Langtry
 
2002 Titus (TV series)
Betty
– Bachelor Party (2002) … Betty
 
2002 The X-Files (TV series)
Agent Edie Boal
– Trust No 1 (2002) … Agent Edie Boal
 
2002 Lehi's Wife (short)
Ida Smith
 
2001 Spin City (TV series)
Sister Agnes
– She's Gotta Habit (2001) … Sister Agnes
 
2001 Raising Dad (TV series)
Mrs. Paultis
– Baby, You Can't Drive My Car (2001) … Mrs. Paultis
 
2001 Dead Last (TV series)
Nurse
– Gastric Distress (2001) … Nurse
 
1999-2001 Providence (TV series)
Miss O'Meara / Mrs. Nielsen
– Dad (2001) … Mrs. Nielsen
– Home Again (1999) … Miss O'Meara
 
2001 Arli$$ (TV series)
Kirby's Mother
– You Are Your Priorities (2001) … Kirby's Mother
 
1998-2001 Dharma & Greg (TV series)
Claire / Elderly Woman
– How This Happened (2001) … Claire
– The Story of K (2001) … Claire
– For Pete's Sake (2001) … Claire
– Let's Get Fiscal (2001) … Claire
– Playing the Field (2000) … Claire
See all 7 episodes »
 
2001 Ally McBeal (TV series)
Sister Alice
– Falling Up (2001) … Sister Alice
 
2000 Becker (TV series)
Mrs. Goldsmith
– Smoke'em If You Got 'Em (2000) … Mrs. Goldsmith
 
2000 Code Blue (Video Game)
Gladys Reilly
 
2000 Hellraiser: Inferno (video)
Mother
 
2000 Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV series)
Genevive Holt
– Where the Wild Things Are (2000) … Genevive Holt
 
1999 Kiss Toledo Goodbye
Wheelchair Lady
 
1999 Thanks (TV series)
Mrs. Sturges
– Privacy (1999) … Mrs. Sturges
– Tobacco (1999) … Mrs. Sturges
– Pilot (1999) … Mrs. Sturges
 
1999 Tracey Takes On... (TV series)
Diner Waitress
– End of the World (1999) … Diner Waitress
 
1999 Home Improvement (TV series)
Thelma McCready
– Chop Shop 'til You Drop (1999) … Thelma McCready
 
1998 Phoenix
Esther
 
1998 The Nanny (TV series)
Ward Nurse
– The Pre-Nup (1998) … Ward Nurse
 
1998 Just Shoot Me! (TV series)
Mrs. Pierce
– The Kiss (1998) … Mrs. Pierce
 
1998 Prey (TV series)
Landlady
– Discovery (1998) … Landlady
 
1997 Best Men
Edie
 
1997 Brooklyn South (TV series)
Mrs. Mariah Westbrook
– Touched by a Checkered Cab (1997) … Mrs. Mariah Westbrook
– Why Can't Even a Couple of Us Get Along? (1997) … Mrs. Mariah Westbrook
 
1997 NYPD Blue (TV series)
Mrs. Prows
– Is Paris Burning? (1997) … Mrs. Prows
 
1997 Men Behaving Badly (TV series)
Saleswoman
– After Midnight (1997) … Saleswoman
 
1997 Profiler (TV series)
Morganna Styles
– Into the Abyss (1997) … Morganna Styles
 
1997 Frasier (TV series)
Vera
– Roz's Turn (1997) … Vera
 
1997 Life with Roger (TV series)
Mrs. Mitchell
– Dial M for Muffin (1997) … Mrs. Mitchell
 
1997 Seinfeld (TV series)
Betsy
– The Little Jerry (1997) … Betsy
 
1997 Eating Las Vegas (short)
Landlady
 
1996 Boston Common (TV series)
Mrs. Schuster
– Trustee and Sympathy (1996) … Mrs. Schuster
 
1996 Murphy Brown (TV series)
Secretary #83
– That's the Way the Corky Crumbles (1996) … Secretary #83
 
1996 Goode Behavior (TV series)
– Goode Cause (1996)
 
1996 Roseanne (TV series)
Carol, woman in dance class / Supermarket customer
– Ballroom Blitz (1996) … Carol, woman in dance class
– The Thrilla near the Vanilla Extract (1996) … Supermarket customer
 
1996 ER (TV series)
Lois
– A Shift in the Night (1996) … Lois
 
1996 The Making of a Hollywood Madam (TV movie)
Mrs. Oshotz
 
1996 3rd Rock from the Sun (TV series)
Cafeteria Lady
– Dick, Smoker (1996) … Cafeteria Lady
 
1995 Grace Under Fire (TV series)
Ida Reilly
– Daycare (1995) … Ida Reilly
 
1995 Chicago Hope (TV series)
Cleaning woman
– A Coupla Stiffs (1995) … Cleaning woman (uncredited)
 
1995 Picket Fences (TV series)
Waitress
– Reap the Whirlwind (1995) … Waitress
 
1995 The Stranger Beside Me (TV movie)
Judge
 
1995 Pointman (TV series)
Lois
– The Jumper (1995) … Lois
 
1995 Family Matters (TV series)
Grocery Checker
– My Bodyguard (1995) … Grocery Checker
 
1989 The Package
Waitress
 
1987 Sable (TV series)
Waitress
– Hunt (1987) … Waitress
 
1985 Lady Blue (TV movie)
Margo
 
1984 Grandview, U.S.A.
Mrs. Clark
 
Show ShowThanks (3 titles)
2014 Escort Service (in loving memory of) (pre-production)
 
2013 Searching (TV movie) (in memory of) (filming)
 
2012 The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards (TV special) (in memory of)
 
Show ShowSelf (12 titles)
2012 Desperate Housewives: I Guess This Is Goodbye (video short)
Herself
 
2011 The Bold and the Beautiful (TV series)
Herself
– Episode #1.6000 (2011) … Herself
 
2011 The Talk (TV series)
Herself
– Episode dated 4 February 2011 (2011) … Herself
 
2010 ACME Saturday Night (TV series)
Herself - Guest host
– Kathryn Joosten (2010) … Herself - Guest host
 
2007-2009 The View (TV series)
Herself
– Episode dated 2 November 2009 (2009) … Herself
– Episode dated 20 November 2008 (2008) … Herself
– Episode dated 15 November 2007 (2007) … Herself
 
2009 I Know Things Now: Desperate Housewives Celebrates 100 (video short)
Herself
 
2009 Annul Victory (documentary)
Herself
 
2008 The Bonnie Hunt Show (TV series)
Herself
– Episode dated 14 November 2008 (2008) … Herself
 
2008 12th Annual Prism Awards (TV special)
Herself
 
2008 The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards (TV special)
Herself - Presenter
 
2005 The 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (TV special)
Herself - Presenter
 
2003 SoapTalk (TV series)
Herself
– Episode dated 29 December 2003 (2003) … Herself
 
Show ShowArchive Footage (5 titles)
2013 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (TV movie)
Herself - In Memoriam
 
2007 Desperate Housewives Special: Secrets and Lies (TV movie)
Karen McCluskey
 
2007 Desperate Housewives Special: The Juiciest Bites (TV movie)
Karen McCluskey
 
2006 Desperate Housewives Special: The More You Know, the Juicier It Gets (TV movie)
Karen McCluskey (uncredited)
 
2006 Desperate Housewives Special: All the Juicy Details (TV movie)
Karen McCluskey (uncredited)
 

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Personal Details

Other Works:

TV commercial for Hallmark (2003) See more »

Publicity Listings:

1 Print Biography  | 2 Articles  | See more »

Alternate Names:

Katherine Joosten | Kathryn Joostyn
Edit

Did You Know?

Personal Quote:

My fans are people... kinda... youngsters who look at me as a grandmother. People who wanna make a change, people who are on the edge of saying - this is not the life I chose and I wanna do something about it. See more »

Trivia:

In his autobiographical novel, "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" (p.33, "Mistakes We Knew We Were Making), Dave Eggers revealed that Kathryn Joosten hung the wallpaper in his bedroom when he was a child. See more »

Nickname:

Kathy See more »

Star Sign:

Sagittarius