Karen McCluskey

Karen McCluskey
Kathryn Joosten as Karen McCluskey
Portrayed by	Kathryn Joosten
Duration	2005–2012
First appearance	"Love Is in the Air" 1x14, February 13, 2005
Last appearance	"Finishing the Hat" 8x23, May 13, 2012
Created by	Marc Cherry
In-universe information Other names Karen Simonds[1] (maiden name) Occupation Former Babysitter Housewife Siblings Roberta Simonds (sister) Gale (sister) Mr McCluskey (brother-in-law) Spouse Gilbert McCluskey (deceased) Roy Bender (widower) Children Mr McCluskey (deceased)

Karen McCluskey (née Simonds) is a fictional character from the ABC television series Desperate Housewives. The role was played by Kathryn Joosten, who won the Primetime Emmy Award twice for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2005 and 2008. In the series finale, Karen succumbs to cancer. This was agreed upon between Marc Cherry and Kathryn since she was battling cancer in real life as well. Kathryn Joosten died 20 days after the series finale aired.