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Kathryn Joosten, who played Karen McCluskey on ABC's "Desperate Housewives," died of lung cancer today in Los Angeles, her publicist reported.

Joosten, 72, had been battling lung cancer for several years.

Joosten won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her role on "Desperate Housewives." The hit show ended last month after eight seasons. Joosten's character died of cancer, of all things, during the season finale.

She is perhaps best known for her role as Delores Landingham, the secretary to the president on "The West Wing."

Joosten has appeared in numerous other television shows, including "Scrubs," "My Name is Earl," "Spin City," "Judging Amy," "Grey's Anatomy," "Reba," "Gilmore Girls," "Roseanne," "Home Improvement," "Frasier," "Seinfeld," "ER," "Just Shoot Me!" and "Monk."  In 2005, she appeared in the film "The Wedding Crashers."