Mariclare Costello

An accomplished character actress across film and television, she built a steady career beginning in the late 1960s. She made her screen debut in The Tiger Makes Out (1967) and quickly moved into episodic television with appearances on series such as N.Y.P.D., Ironside, Kojak, and Barnaby Jones.

In the 1970s, she became widely recognized for her recurring role as Rosemary Hunter/Fordwick on The Waltons (1972–77), appearing in 15 episodes. During this period, she also worked extensively in television films, including After the Fall (1974), based on Arthur Miller’s play, and The Execution of Private Slovik (1974). She was a regular cast member on The Fitzpatricks (1977–78), further solidifying her presence on television.

Her film work includes notable roles in Ordinary People (1980) and Indecent Proposal (1993), as well as a workprint appearance as Emma Goldman in Ragtime (1981). She also appeared in cult and genre favorites such as Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971), Nightmares (1983), and The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984).

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she continued to guest star on a wide range of popular television series, including Hart to Hart, Fame, Murder, She Wrote, In the Heat of the Night, Santa Barbara, Chicago Hope, and Judging Amy. Later appearances include a role on Providence (2002) and the short film Assisted Loving (2011).
Costello died in Brooklyn, New York on April 17, 2026, at the age of 90.