With the passing of Mariclare Costello, the entertainment world has lost an actress whose presence spanned film, television, and stage for decades. She died at the age of 90 in Brooklyn, New York. Many viewers remember her best as teacher Rosemary Hunter in 'The Waltons'.
Yet her career reached far beyond a single role. Costello worked on Broadway, appeared in numerous film and television productions, and devoted much of her life to nurturing and mentoring other artists.
Also interesting:
Fans mourn the singer
Debate heats up
Big Box Office, Big Debate: Why ‘Michael’ Is Splitting Audiences
A legendary singer
Remembering Harry Belafonte: His Secret Support for Martin Luther King Jr.
Mariclare Costello Dies in Brooklyn
According to People, her death was announced in an obituary published in the Peoria Journal Star. Mariclare Costello passed away on the morning of April 17 in Brooklyn.
Her family paid tribute not only to her professional achievements, but also to her remarkable way of connecting with others. “Her gift was rare,” they wrote, noting her ability to help people find access to their own creative voice. In her personal life, she was remembered as warm, curious, and deeply attentive—someone who brought energy and life into every room.
A Lasting Mark on 'The Waltons'
Costello secured a lasting place in television history through her appearances on 'The Waltons', particularly in its early seasons. Her portrayal of "Rosemary Hunter" left a lasting impression on fans of the beloved family series.
She also appeared in a wide range of other television productions, including 'Kojak,' 'Lou Grant,' 'Murder, She Wrote,' 'Chicago Hope,' 'Judging Amy,' and 'Providence.' She took on more prominent roles in series such as The Fitzpatricks, building a versatile career that resonated across generations.
From Broadway to Film
Costello’s artistic path began on the stage. After completing her studies, she moved to New York City and performed at venues such as the Sheridan Square Theater and The Public Theater. On Broadway, she appeared in Arthur Miller’s 'After the Fall' alongside Jason Robards.
She later returned to the stage in a production of Harvey with Jimmy Stewart. Film audiences may also recognize her from the cult horror film 'Let’s Scare Jessica to Death,' as well as 'Ordinary People' and 'The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.'
A Passion for Teaching
Beyond her acting career, Costello was deeply committed to education. She directed a drama program at an elementary school in Westwood and staged productions at Loyola High School and Loyola Marymount University, where she taught drama for many years.
Her personal life was closely tied to the arts as well. She was married to actor Allan Arbus from 1977 until his death in 2013. She is survived by her daughter Arin, her partner Ethan, her granddaughter Bird, and other family members.
