Mariclare Costello, best known to fans of The Waltons as teacher Rosemary Hunter, has died at age 90 in Brooklyn.
She was remembered by her family as a deeply warm and curious person whose “gift was rare,” noting her ability to draw out creativity in others. She passed away on April 17.
Costello’s role on The Waltons made her a memorable part of the show’s early, family-centered storytelling. Outside the series, she built a respected career in theater, Broadway, film, and TV, including roles in Ordinary People and Let’s Scare Jessica to Death.
Born in Peoria, she studied drama, performed for President John F. Kennedy, and worked for decades on stage before moving into screen acting.
She was married to actor Allan Arbus until his death in 2013 and is survived by her daughter, stepchildren, and grandchildren.