Kathryn Joosten, who played Karen McCluskey in Desperate Housewives, has died aged 72.

In an art-imitating-life twist Kathryn died after a battle with cancer, just like her character.

Publicist Nadine Jolson said Kathryn, who had lung cancer, died on Saturday in Los Angeles.

Kathryn also appeared in The West Wing and won an Emmy.

Desperate Housewives co-star Marcia Cross tweeted a tribute to her close friend:

“Thank you Kathryn. For your courage, your humor, your fight and your talent. We were so lucky to have you.”