“The Waltons” Actress Mariclare Costello Dies at 90: ‘Her Gift Was Rare,’ Says Family

Mariclare Costello, the actress renowned for her roles in iconic television shows and films, including ‘The Waltons’ and the cult classic ‘Let’s Scare Jessica to Death’, has passed away at the age of 90. Her death was announced by her family, who expressed deep admiration for her unique talents, particularly her ability to inspire others to discover their creative potential.

Costello’s family shared a heartfelt tribute in an obituary published in the *Peoria Journal Star*, stating that her ‘gift was rare’ and highlighting her role as a guiding force for many in the artistic community. They 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.” This sentiment captures the essence of her legacy both as an actress and a teacher.

The actress passed away on the morning of April 17 in Brooklyn, New York. Alongside her formidable talents, she was remembered for her warmth and curiosity. Her family noted her fondness for cooking and her ability to transform any space into something beautiful. “She paid attention in every dimension of her life,” they remarked. “She could talk to anyone, was interested in everything, and was a relentless asker of questions.”

Best known for her portrayal of teacher Rosemary Hunter in the beloved series ‘The Waltons’, Costello became a staple of the show during its early years. In a nostalgic 2011 interview with *The Terror Trap*, she fondly remembered her time on set, sharing anecdotes about the laughter she shared with co-stars 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 recalled.

Born in Peoria, Illinois, Costello was the youngest of three sisters in a family that nurtured their creative talents. Her educational journey took her to Clarke College in Iowa, and she subsequently earned a master’s degree in theatre and education from Catholic University. During her studies, she had the opportunity to perform for President John F. Kennedy in a production of ‘The Merchant of Venice’, a significant milestone in her early career.

After relocating to New York City to embrace her passion for theatre, Costello made significant strides in her career. She performed at notable venues like the Sheridan Square Theater and The Public Theater, and graced the Broadway stage multiple times. Her remarkable talent also led her to originate a role in Arthur Miller’s ‘After the Fall’, alongside the distinguished actor Jason Robards.

In the late 1960s, she made a move to Los Angeles, where she transitioned to film and television. Among her television highlights was her role in the Emmy-winning telefilm ‘The Execution of Private Slovik’ (1974). Costello’s extensive work was not limited to ‘The Waltons’; she also starred in ‘The Fitzpatricks’ and had guest appearances on various notable series such as ‘Kojak’, ‘Murder, She Wrote’, and ‘Ordinary People’.

Costello’s life was marked by her marriage to actor Allan Arbus, known for his role in the popular series *M*A*S*H*. The two met in an acting class led by Mira Rostova and subsequently fell in love while rehearsing a play by Dorothy Parker. They remained together until Arbus’s passing in 2013.

Despite her prolific on-screen presence, it was Costello’s impact as an educator and director that has left a lasting mark. She dedicated a significant part of her career to teaching, leading the drama program at St. Paul the Apostle Elementary School and directing productions at both Loyola High School and Loyola Marymount University. Additionally, she directed for Interact Theater and was involved with a theatre group at Homeboy Industries.

Mariclare Costello is survived by her daughter Arin, her partner Ethan, granddaughter Bird, and stepdaughters Amy and Doon, along with several nieces and a nephew. Her passing is felt not only by her family but also by the many lives she touched throughout her career. A funeral service is planned in New York City, followed by burial and remembrance activities in her hometown of Peoria, honouring the legacy of a woman who shaped the lives of many both on and off the stage.