‘The Waltons’ Star Mariclare Costello Passes at 90 & Tributes Pour In

Mariclare Costello, best known for her role as schoolteacher Rosemary Hunter on “The Waltons,” has died at the age of 90.

According to her family, the actress passed away on April 17 in Brooklyn, marking the end of a long and multifaceted career that spanned television, film, and theater.

Costello’s Family Remembers Her in a Touching Statement

Her obituary, published in the Peoria Journal Star, painted a portrait of a woman whose impact extended far beyond the screen.

“Her gift was rare,” her family wrote. “She knew how to get people out of their own heads, focused on a task rather than on themselves, and in doing so helped them access their own creative voices.”

Costello became a familiar face to television audiences through her recurring role on “The Waltons,” appearing in 15 episodes of the beloved series.

Her portrayal of Rosemary Hunter left a lasting impression on fans, many of whom have taken to social media to share their memories.

Fans Remember Her Iconic Roles

“She was a wonderful actress,” one fan wrote, while another added, “So many great memories of her on the Walton’s… another childhood memory gone.”

Before and after her time on the iconic drama, Costello built a steady career in both television and film.

She later starred as the family matriarch on “The Fitzpatricks” and appeared in a wide range of shows, including “Kojak,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Chicago Hope.” 

Her film credits included roles in “Ordinary People” and the cult favorite “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.”

She also starred opposite Martin Sheen in the 1974 telefilm “The Execution of Private Slovik” and appeared in the 1971 horror cult classic “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death.”

Despite her many screen roles, Costello’s influence behind the scenes may have been even more profound.

Costello Also Spent Years Teaching

She dedicated years to teaching and directing, helping shape the next generation of performers.

She led the drama program at St. Paul the Apostle School in Los Angeles and taught acting at Loyola Marymount University, in addition to directing productions for various theater groups and organizations, per her obituary. 

Her family remembered her as someone deeply engaged with the world around her. “She was also, in every dimension of her life, someone who paid attention,” they wrote. “She could talk to anyone, was interested in everything, and was a relentless asker of questions.”

They also highlighted her warmth and creativity outside of acting, noting that she “was a wonderful cook” who loved rescuing animals and had a talent for making “every space she inhabited more beautiful.”

In a 2011 interview with Terror Trap, Costello reflected fondly on her time working on “The Waltons,” especially her co-stars.

“I had the greatest time with Richard Thomas and John Ritter. We laughed from the beginning of the day until the end of the day,” she said. “They were great.”

Costello was married to Allan Arbus, known for his role on “M*A*S*H,” from 1977 until his death in 2013.

She leaves behind not only a body of work that spans decades, but also a legacy rooted in mentorship, curiosity, and kindness—qualities that clearly resonated with both her peers and audiences alike.

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