Los Angeles (AP) – October 26, 2025: Beloved actress June Lockhart, best known for her iconic roles in the television classics “Lassie” and “Lost in Space,” has passed away at the age of 100. Lockhart died peacefully at her home in Santa Monica, California, from natural causes, according to longtime family friend and spokesperson Lyle Gregory.
For over eight decades, June Lockhart charmed audiences with her warmth, intelligence, and grace—becoming America’s favorite on-screen mother and a symbol of strength and compassion for generations.
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A Star Who Defined Television Motherhood
Lockhart’s career spanned more than 80 years, but it was her endearing portrayals of mothers that made her a household name. From 1958 to 1964, she played Ruth Martin on CBS’s Lassie, lovingly raising young Timmy (Jon Provost) alongside the loyal collie who became a TV legend.
Then, from 1965 to 1968, she traded the countryside for the cosmos, playing Maureen Robinson, the wise and steady matriarch aboard the Jupiter II in Lost in Space. Her calm authority and nurturing presence made her the heart of the show—and a pop culture icon.
During a time when American families gathered around the television each evening, Lockhart’s characters became symbols of comfort, compassion, and stability. Even decades later, fans still recall her as the “TV mom” who helped guide them through childhood.
Off-screen, however, Lockhart was far from conventional. In a 1994 interview with the Los Angeles Times, she said, “I like rock ’n’ roll and going to concerts. I’ve driven army tanks, flown in hot air balloons, and gone gliding in a plane without a motor. I do a lot of things that don’t fit with my image.”
From Hollywood Legacy to Television Fame
Born on June 25, 1925, in New York City, June Lockhart came from a distinguished Hollywood family. Her father, Gene Lockhart, was a prolific actor known for A Christmas Carol (1938) and His Girl Friday (1940), while her mother, Kathleen Lockhart, was also an accomplished film and stage actress.
June made her stage debut at just eight years old and appeared alongside her parents in A Christmas Carol, playing the Cratchit daughter. By her teens, she had roles in classic films like All This, and Heaven Too (1940), Sergeant York (1941), Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), and Son of Lassie (1945)—a fitting prelude to her later television fame.
When her film opportunities began to slow, Lockhart smoothly transitioned to the new medium of television, appearing in early live dramas before landing her breakthrough role on Lassie. That success soon led to her unforgettable work on Lost in Space, which became a sci-fi cult favorite.
Reflecting on her experience, she once said, “It was like working at Disneyland every day.”
“Lassie” and “Lost in Space” – Two Cultural Touchstones
As Ruth Martin in Lassie, Lockhart brought gentle wisdom and authority to the screen, defining the image of the perfect American mother. She often joked about her famous canine co-star, saying, “I worked with four Lassies. There was only one main Lassie at a time—then one to run, one to fight, and one to stand-in. The Lassie was not particularly sociable—she was all business.”
Her next major role as Maureen Robinson in Lost in Space cemented her place in television history. She gave emotional depth to the sci-fi adventure, portraying a calm, intelligent leader who kept her family grounded amid cosmic chaos.
Her former co-stars shared heartfelt tributes following the news of her passing.
Actress Angela Cartwright, who played her daughter Penny Robinson, wrote:
“So smart, sharp, and funny—she filled her 100th year with curiosity, laughter, and rock ’n’ roll.”
Actor Bill Mumy, who played her son Will, added:
“A unique, talented, nurturing, and courageous woman. She did it her own way. June will always be one of my favorite mothers.”
Beyond the Screen
Even in her later years, Lockhart continued working, appearing in series such as General Hospital, The Love Boat, The Colbys, and Petticoat Junction as Dr. Janet Craig. She also lent her voice to the animated feature Bongani Bear and the Empire of Rhythm.
Off camera, she had a deep passion for journalism and public affairs. “Her real passion was journalism,” said Lyle Gregory. “She loved attending White House briefings and kept up with both The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times every day until the end.”
She often attended presidential press conferences, showing the same curiosity and engagement that made her beloved both on and off screen.
Personal Life and Legacy
June Lockhart was married and divorced twice—first to Dr. John Maloney, with whom she had two daughters, Anne Kathleen and June Elizabeth, and later to architect John C. Lindsay.
Despite her many achievements, she remained humble and grateful for the roles that made her an icon. “How wonderful it is to have a role in a career for which you are best known,” she once said. “Many actors work all their lives and never have a character that is truly theirs.”
June Lockhart’s century-long life was filled with adventure, artistry, and a deep love for humanity. Whether guiding Lassie’s Timmy through danger or keeping her Lost in Space family safe among the stars, she embodied strength, love, and grace.
For generations of fans, she will forever be the gentle voice calling them home—from the family farm or across the galaxy.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.