Hollywood actress Mariclare Costello known for ‘extraordinary beauty’ dies as tributes flood in

Veteran actress Mariclare Costello has passed away as her family confirm the sad news, she was known for her roles in Little House on the Prairie and Murder She Wrote

Veteran actress Mariclare Costello has passed away. as her family confirm the tragic news. Tributes have poured in for the talented star who “was interested in everything”.

Following her passing, family members lovingly remembered how her basement was packed “floor to ceiling with costumes and props, and her productions were works of extraordinary care and beauty”. They stated: “She was also, in every dimension of her life, someone who paid attention. She could talk to anyone, was interested in everything and was a relentless asker of questions.

“She refinished countless floors and collected objects, letters, photographs, even used coffee cups, much to her husband and daughter’s dismay. She made every space she inhabited more beautiful.

“Warm, curious, generous and tough, she had the constitution of an ox, was never sick and was always up for an adventure, especially if she could show up a few minutes late, as was her general inclination.” A memorial service will be held for her in New York.

Most fondly remembered for her portrayal of schoolteacher Rosemary Hunter in The Waltons, she also appeared as a hippie-turned-vampire in the cult horror film Let’s Scare Jessica To Death, and featured in nine Broadway productions during the 1960s. She was married to M*A*S*H star Allan Arbus until his death in 2013, reports the Mirror.

Her distinguished stage career began in 1964 when she made her Broadway debut in Arthur Miller’s After the Fall, later appearing in productions including But For Whom Charlie and The Changeling, amongst others.

Beyond the stage, her television work encompassed numerous beloved series including N.Y.P.D in 1969, Little House on the Prairie, and Murder She Wrote.

Nevertheless, it was her role as Miss Rosemary Hunter on CBS’s cherished family drama The Waltons that secured her position in audiences’ affections, playing the educator who encouraged John-Boy Walton to follow his writing dreams.

Costello initially met Arbus during an acting workshop conducted by Mira Rostova, with romance blossoming while they rehearsed Dorothy Parker’s play Here We Are.

The pair moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s and married at home following 12 years together. She stood by his side when he passed away from congestive heart failure in April 2013.

They shared one daughter, Arin Arbus, who pursued their artistic legacy to become a theatre director. Costello is survived by Arin and her partner Ethan, granddaughter Bird, stepdaughters Amy and Doon, plus six nieces and one nephew.