Hollywood is saying goodbye to a familiar face from one of America’s most cherished TV families.
Mariclare Costello, best known for her role as teacher Rosemary Hunter on The Waltons, has died at the age of 90 — and the emotional tributes pouring in paint a picture of a woman whose impact went far beyond the screen.
According to her family, Costello passed away on the morning of April 17 in Brooklyn, New York. But while fans remember her from classic TV and cult films, those closest to her say her real legacy was something far more powerful.
“Her gift was rare,” her family wrote in a touching obituary, revealing that she had an uncanny ability to draw creativity out of others. “She knew how to get people out of their own heads… and helped them access their own creative voices.”
And that wasn’t just talk.
Costello wasn’t just a working actress — she was a mentor, teacher, and quiet force behind the scenes who shaped countless lives.
She became a familiar face to millions through her appearances on The Waltons during its early seasons, but she also left her mark in the eerie cult horror classic Let’s Scare Jessica to Death — a role that earned her a devoted following among genre fans.
Behind the camera, however, is where her influence truly exploded.
From leading school drama programs in Los Angeles to teaching acting at Loyola Marymount University, Costello spent decades molding young performers. She even directed productions for community groups like Homeboy Industries, using theater as a tool for transformation.
“She made every space she inhabited more beautiful,” her family shared — adding that she was endlessly curious, deeply warm, and someone who could strike up a conversation with absolutely anyone.
Born in Peoria, Illinois, Costello’s journey to Hollywood wasn’t exactly typical. She studied theater and education at Catholic University, where she trained under legendary improv pioneer Viola Spolin — and even performed for John F. Kennedy during her early career.
She later moved to New York City, where she carved out a respected stage career, appearing in major productions including Arthur Miller’s After the Fall alongside Jason Robards and a revival of Harvey with Jimmy Stewart.
By the late 1960s, she transitioned to television and film, building an impressive résumé that included roles in Ordinary People, Kojak, Murder, She Wrote, and more.
Off-screen, she shared a decades-long love story with actor Allan Arbus, whom she married in 1977. The two remained together until his death in 2013.
Despite her long list of credits, those who knew her say fame was never the point.
Instead, Costello focused on lifting others up — whether it was through teaching, directing, or simply encouraging someone to find their voice.
She is survived by her daughter, granddaughter, stepdaughters, and extended family. A funeral service will be held in New York City, with burial planned in her hometown of Peoria.
In an industry obsessed with the spotlight, Mariclare Costello quietly became something far more lasting — the person who helped others step into it.
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