Mariclare Costello, widely recognized by fans of The Waltons as the affectionate and unforgettable schoolteacher Rosemary Hunter, has passed away at 90 years old.
“Her gift was rare,” her relatives shared in a published obituary.
“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.”
Based on the obituary featured in the Peoria Journal Star, she died on the morning of Friday, April 17, in Brooklyn, New York.
To countless fans, Costello will forever remain a core piece of the emotional heart of The Waltons—a beloved show characterized by its deep humanity, family principles, and cozy atmosphere. She played the role of Miss Hunter, the community’s schoolteacher.
Her appearances on the program made an enduring impact throughout its initial seasons, as her character evolved into an understated yet significant member of the Walton’s Mountain community.
During a 2011 interview, Costello warmly reminisced about her experiences with her fellow actors.
“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 recalled.
Born in the Midwest and a dedicated vegetarian, her professional acting journey extended significantly past the borders of Walton’s Mountain.
Originally from Peoria, Illinois, she was raised in a secure, middle-class household that possessed a creative flair. While her father was employed as a state bridge designer, she received constant encouragement to delve into the arts during her youth. This trajectory ultimately guided her to pursue education and theater, culminating in a master’s degree in drama and laying the groundwork for an extensive career across stage and film.
She notably performed for President John F. Kennedy during a staging of The Merchant of Venice.
Transitioning from local New York venues to major Broadway shows, she established a highly regarded theatrical career before making the leap into television and movies during the late 1960s.
Her on-screen portfolio featured roles in highly praised films like Ordinary People and the beloved cult horror classic Let’s Scare Jessica to Death, in addition to guest appearances on several of television’s most cherished programs.
Beyond the cameras, she was recalled with equal affection.
“Her gift was rare,” her family wrote. “She was a wonderful cook, she loved rescuing stray animals, and she had a way of making every space she entered more beautiful.”
“She was also, in every dimension of her life, someone who paid attention,” they further noted. “She could talk to anyone, was interested in everything, and was a relentless asker of questions.”
She wed actor Allan Arbus—widely recognized for his role in MASH*—in 1977, and they remained together until he passed away in 2013. As a couple, they built a life in Los Angeles that was brimming with creativity, education, and art. Arbus succumbed to congestive heart failure in 2013 at 95 years old.
Mariclare Costello leaves behind her daughter Arin, her granddaughter Bird, her stepdaughters Doon and Amy, and an extended network of relatives who will always remember her as an infinitely warm, deeply inquisitive, and vibrant soul.
To the audience of The Waltons, she will forever remain a fixture in a television universe constructed entirely on heart—serving as a beautiful reminder of the subtle, talented performers who made the series truly unforgettable.