Legendary television star June Lockhart, celebrated for her heart-warming roles as a TV mom in the classic series Lassie and the sci-fi hit Lost in Space, has passed away at the age of 100.
Lockhart died of natural causes at her home in Santa Monica, California, on Thursday evening, surrounded by her daughter June Elizabeth and granddaughter Christianna.
Born on June 25, 1925, in New York City, she grew up in an acting family—her parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, were both actors. She made her stage debut as a child, and moved into films in the 1940s before becoming a television icon.
Her big breakthrough came when she took on the role of Ruth Martin in “Lassie” from 1958-64, portraying the caring mother of Timmy alongside the famous collie. Later, she soared into sci-fi fame as Maureen Robinson in “Lost in Space” from 1965-68—bringing both warmth and adventure to the screen.
Over a career spanning nearly nine decades, Lockhart amassed film and television credits, won a Tony Award, and earned two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—one for film and one for television.
Her legacy reaches far beyond her roles: she was adored as a nurturing presence in homes across America, and remained active and engaged into her later years—reading newspapers daily and staying connected with current events.
A private funeral is planned by the family. As the entertainment world pays tribute to this beloved “first-TV mom,” her contributions to film and television stand as a lasting testament.
