Kathryn Joosten Biography

Fast Facts

• Once worked as a psychiatric nurse at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago
• Took acting classes at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater
• While pursuing her dream of a career in acting, she worked as a painter, paperhanger, bartender and waitress
• Moved to Hollywood in her mid-50s to pursue her acting career
• First TV job was a small role on the sitcom Family Matters
• After the death of her West Wing character, White House presidential secretary Mrs
• Landingham, the position was filled by Lily Tomlin
• She and Tomlin went on to costar as sisters on Desperate Housewives
• Survived lung cancer twice before succumbing to the disease in June of 2012