June Lockhart, beloved star of 'Lassie' and 'Lost in Space', dies at 100

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: Veteran actress June Lockhart, best known for her roles as nurturing mothers in the classic TV series 'Lassie' and 'Lost in Space', died on Thursday, October 23, at her home in Santa Monica, California. She was 100.

Lockhart’s family announced on Saturday in a statement that she died of natural causes, with her daughter June Elizabeth and granddaughter Christianna, by her side.

A career rooted in stage and film

Born in New York City on June 25, 1925, Lockhart grew up in a family of actors. Her parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, were both Broadway and Hollywood performers.

She made her stage debut at age eight in 'Peter Ibbetson' at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1933 and her film debut in 1938’s 'A Christmas Carol', appearing alongside her parents.

Her breakthrough came in 1947, when she won the Antoinette Perry Award (later renamed the Tony Award) for Best Newcomer for her performance in the Broadway production 'For Love or Money.'

Lockhart became one of television’s most recognizable maternal figures in the '50s and '60s- first as Ruth Martin in 'Lassie' and later as Maureen Robinson, the steadfast matriarch in 'Lost in Space'.

She also appeared as Dr Janet Craig in 'Petticoat Junction'.

A champion of space and science

Off-screen, Lockhart was known for her lifelong fascination with science and space exploration.

A passionate advocate for NASA, she participated in events alongside astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, and in 2009 appeared with them when NASA Television received a Primetime Emmy Award, marking the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing broadcast.

In her later years, she reportedly remained remarkably active both intellectually and physically. 

She routinely read newspapers, stayed abreast of current affairs, traveled to space-agency events and even went gliding. 

Her daughter noted that beyond her acting craft, Lockhart considered journalism, politics and science to be among her greatest passions she pursued long after her most famous TV roles.

“Mommy always considered acting her craft and vocation,” said her daughter June Elizabeth, “but her true passions were journalism, politics, science, and NASA.”

Lockhart was especially proud that 'Lost in Space' had inspired many astronauts. 

“That meant even more to her than the hundreds of television and movie roles she played,” her daughter added.

Over a career spanning eight decades, June Lockhart embodied the warmth, intelligence, and curiosity that defined a golden era of American entertainment.