June Lockhart, Beloved ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space’ Mom, Dies at 100
June lockhart, the actress who became a comforting maternal figure for generations of television viewers through her iconic roles in “Lassie” and “Lost in Space,” died Thursday at the age of 100. According to a family spokesman, Lyle Gregory, a friend of 40 years, lockhart passed away of natural causes at her home in Santa Monica, California, on Thursday, with the news being shared publicly on Saturday.
“She was vrey happy up until the very end, reading the New York Times and LA Times everyday,” Gregory said. “It was very crucial to her to stay focused on the news of the day.”
Born June 25, 1925, in New york City, Lockhart initially pursued a career in film, appearing in numerous productions as a young actress. tho, it was television that cemented her status as a star. The daughter of character actor Gene Lockhart, she frequently played ingenue roles early in her career.
From 1958 to 1964,Lockhart captivated audiences as Ruth Martin in the popular CBS series “Lassie,” raising the orphaned Timmy (Jon Provost).She then embarked on a journey to the stars, portraying Maureen Robinson, the matriarch of the Robinson family, aboard the spaceship jupiter II in the campy CBS adventure “Lost in Space” from 1965 to 1968. Her warm and compassionate portrayals of motherhood resonated deeply with young viewers, and decades later, baby boomers continued to seek her out at nostalgia conventions for autographs and a chance to meet the actress who felt like family.
Lockhart often emphasized that her off-screen persona differed significantly from the characters she played. “I must quote Dan Rather,” she remarked in a 1994 interview. “I can control my reputation, but not my image, as my image is how you see me.” She revealed a spirited side, confessing a love for rock ‘n’ roll concerts, Army tanks, hot air balloons, and even plane-gliding without motors – activities that defied her on-screen image.
Early in her career, Lockhart appeared in a string of films including “All This, and Heaven Too,” “Adam Had Four Sons,” “Sergeant York,” “Miss Annie Rooney,” “Forever and a Day,” and “Meet Me in St. louis.” She also reprised a role from her childhood, appearing in “Son of Lassie” (1945), a sequel to “Lassie, Come Home,” playing the
She was also involved in community theater, participating in beauty pageants and holiday parades. She also performed in theatrical productions of “steel magnolias,” “Bedroom farce,” and “Once More with Feeling.” According to Gregory, “Her true passion was journalism. She loved going to the White House briefing rooms.”
Lockhart often shared the story of her parents’ meeting, recounting how they were both hired for a touring production sponsored by inventor Thomas A. Edison and fell in love during a stop in Lake Louise, Alberta.
Throughout her later career, Lockhart remained closely associated with “Lassie,” acknowledging the enduring impact of the role. She conceded, “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.”
tributes poured in from her former co-stars. Angela Cartwright, who played her daughter on “Lost in Space,” posted on Facebook: “So smart, speedy, and funny – she filled her 100 years with curiosity, laughter, and rock ‘n’ roll.I can only imagine she’s feeling right at home as she steps off this planet and into the stars.” Bill Mumy, who played her son in the series, shared on social media: “A one of a kind, talented, nurturing, adventurous, and non compromising Lady. she did it her way. june will always be one of my very favorite moms.”
This obituary was originally written by Bob Thomas, a longtime Associated Press journalist who died in 2014.
