LOS ANGELES -- June Lockhart, the iconic actress best known for her roles as a nurturing mother figure in beloved television series like “Lassie” and “Lost in Space,” has passed away at the age of 100. Lockhart died peacefully on Thursday due to natural causes at her home in Santa Monica, as confirmed by family spokesman Lyle Gregory, who was a close friend for over 40 years.
“She was very happy up until the very end, reading the New York Times and LA Times every day,” Gregory shared. “It was very important to her to stay focused on the news of the day.” Lockhart’s dedication to staying informed reflected her vibrant spirit and zest for life.
Born on June 25, 1925, in New York City, June Lockhart was the daughter of prolific character actor Gene Lockhart. With a father known for his numerous roles in Hollywood, June was often cast in ingenue parts during her early film career. However, it was television that catapulted her to stardom.
From 1958 to 1964, Lockhart played the role of Ruth Martin, the devoted mother raising the orphaned Timmy (portrayed by Jon Provost) in the popular CBS series “Lassie.” This portrayal endeared her to generations of young viewers, establishing her as a cherished figure in American television.
Following her success in “Lassie,” Lockhart ventured into outer space with her role as Maureen Robinson in the campy CBS adventure series “Lost in Space,” which aired from 1965 to 1968. The show followed the Robinson family on a five-year mission aboard the spaceship Jupiter II, facing various challenges, including the treacherous Dr. Zachary Smith, played by Jonathan Harris.
Lockhart’s roles as warm, compassionate mothers resonated with audiences, and decades later, nostalgic baby boomers sought to meet her at conventions, eager to purchase her autographed photos. Despite her iconic portrayals, Lockhart often remarked that she was very different from the characters she played.
Before her television fame, Lockhart appeared in numerous films, including classics such as “All This and Heaven Too,” “Sergeant York,” and “Meet Me in St. Louis.” She also starred in “Son of Lassie,” the 1945 sequel to “Lassie, Come Home,” portraying the grown-up version of a character originally played by Elizabeth Taylor.
Lockhart was the third actress to portray the female lead in “Lassie,” following Jan Clayton and Cloris Leachman. She openly discussed her experiences with her canine co-stars, sharing insights about the multiple collies that played Lassie over the years and the complexities of working with animals on set.
After her time on “Lassie” and “Lost in Space,” Lockhart joined the cast of “Petticoat Junction” for its final two seasons, playing Dr. Janet Craig. She remained a familiar face on episodic television, making guest appearances in popular shows and playing recurring roles in daytime soaps like “General Hospital” and nighttime series such as “Knots Landing” and “The Colbys.”
Lockhart’s career also extended to voice acting, with credits including “The Remake” and the animated feature “Bongee Bear and the Kingdom of Rhythm.” Beyond acting, she had a passion for journalism, often attending presidential news conferences and narrating events like beauty pageants and holiday parades.
June Lockhart was married twice, first to physician John Maloney, with whom she had two daughters, Anne Kathleen and June Elizabeth, and later to architect John C. Lindsay. Throughout her life, she maintained a close connection with her iconic role in “Lassie,” acknowledging the unique impact it had on her career.
Lockhart often reflected on the significance of being known for a single role, stating, “How wonderful that in a career there is one role for which you are known. Many actors work all their lives and never have one part that is really theirs.” Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and television lovers.
As we celebrate the life and career of June Lockhart, we honor her contributions to television and film, and the countless memories she created for audiences around the world.
