Mariclare Costello, the actress best known for her recurring role as teacher Rosemary Hunter on 'The Waltons' and for her work in the cult horror film 'Let's Scare Jessica to Death', has passed away at the age of 90.
A familiar face across decades of American television and theatre, Costello built a career defined by warmth, range, and a deep commitment to the craft. Beyond her screen work, she was equally celebrated as a teacher and director whose influence extended far beyond the stage.
According to an obituary published in the Peoria Journal Star, Costello passed away on the morning of Friday, April 17, in Brooklyn, New York. 'Her gift was rare,' her family noted. '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.'
Mariclare Costello's family pays respect
Beyond her screen work, Costello was remembered for her warmth, curiosity, and love of life. Her family described someone who 'was a wonderful cook' and found joy in everything from rescuing stray animals to making 'every space she inhabited more beautiful.' 'She was also, in every dimension of her life, someone who paid attention,' her family wrote. 'She could talk to anyone, was interested in everything, and was a relentless asker of questions.'
Mariclare Costello's memories of 'The Waltons'
Costello appeared in multiple episodes of 'The Waltons' during the show's early seasons. In a 2011 interview with The Terror Trap, she looked back fondly on her time on the beloved series. '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. We spent a lot of time together. They were great,' she said.
More about Mariclare Costello
Costello was born in Peoria, Illinois, the youngest of three sisters, and grew up in a home that valued creativity. She attended Clarke College in Iowa and later earned a master's degree in theater and education from Catholic University, where she studied improvisation with renowned teacher Viola Spolin. During that time, she performed for President John F. Kennedy in a production of 'The Merchant of Venice'.
She moved to New York City to pursue theatre, performing at the Sheridan Square Theater and The Public Theatre, and appearing on Broadway multiple times. She originated a role in Arthur Miller's 'After the Fall' opposite Jason Robards and later appeared in a revival of 'Harvey' alongside Jimmy Stewart.
After relocating to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, Costello transitioned to film and television. Her screen credits included the Emmy-winning telefilm 'The Execution of Private Slovik' in 1974, a leading role on 'The Fitzpatricks', and appearances on 'Kojak', 'Lou Grant', 'Murder She Wrote', 'Chicago Hope', 'Judging Amy', and 'Providence'. Her film work included 'Ordinary People' in 1980 and 'The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension' in 1984.
She was married to actor Allan Arbus, known for his role on 'M*A*S*H', from 1977 until his passing in 2013. The couple met in an acting class and fell in love while rehearsing a Dorothy Parker play.
Though her screen work was extensive, Costello's legacy as a teacher and director proved equally enduring. She led the drama program at St. Paul the Apostle Elementary School in Westwood, directed productions at Loyola High School and Loyola Marymount University, and also directed productions for Interact Theater and led a theatre group at Homeboy Industries.
She is survived by her daughter Arin and her partner Ethan, granddaughter Bird, stepdaughters Amy and Doon, and several nieces and a nephew.
A funeral service will be held in New York City, with burial and remembrance planned in Peoria.
