LOS ANGELES — June Lockhart, the cherished television actress who became America’s quintessential mother figure through her roles in “Lassie” and “Lost in Space,” has died at the age of 100.
Lockhart passed away peacefully Thursday at her home in Santa Monica, California, from natural causes, according to longtime family friend and spokesman Lyle Gregory. “She was very happy up until the very end,” Gregory said, noting that she stayed sharp and curious, reading The New York Times and Los Angeles Times every day.
A Legendary Television Career
Born on June 25, 1925, in New York City, Lockhart came from Hollywood lineage. Her father, Gene Lockhart, was a prolific character actor, and her mother, Kathleen Lockhart, was also a performer. The family moved to California when June was 10, and she made her first screen appearance in 1938’s A Christmas Carol — acting alongside both her parents.
After early success in films like Sergeant York, Meet Me in St. Louis, and Son of Lassie, Lockhart found her true home on television. From 1958 to 1964, she played Ruth Martin, the devoted mother of young Timmy (Jon Provost) in the long-running CBS family series “Lassie.”
Then, from 1965 to 1968, she captivated a new generation as Maureen Robinson, the calm and courageous matriarch aboard the Jupiter II spaceship in the sci-fi classic “Lost in Space.” Her warmth and poise made her a favorite among audiences, particularly children who saw her as the ultimate TV mom.
Offscreen: A Spirited, Independent Woman
Though known for her gentle maternal characters, Lockhart insisted she was nothing like them in real life. “I can control my reputation, but not my image,” she once said. “I love rock ‘n’ roll, I’ve driven Army tanks, flown in hot-air balloons, and gone glider flying. I do a lot of things that don’t go with my image.”
Lockhart continued acting well beyond her television heyday, appearing in “Petticoat Junction,” “General Hospital,” “Knots Landing,” and numerous films. She also lent her voice to the animated film Bongee Bear and the Kingdom of Rhythm and toured nationally in productions of Steel Magnolias and Bedroom Farce.
Fond Tributes From Co-Stars
Her Lost in Space co-stars remembered her fondly. Angela Cartwright, who played her daughter Penny Robinson, wrote, “So smart, quick, 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 Will Robinson, added, “A one-of-a-kind, talented, nurturing, adventurous, and uncompromising lady. She did it her way. June will always be one of my favorite moms.”
A Lifelong Connection to ‘Lassie’
Despite sometimes poking fun at her Lassie years, Lockhart acknowledged the power of being associated with a role that touched so many. “How wonderful that in a career there is one role for which you are known,” she said. “Many actors work all their lives and never have one part that is really theirs.”
Lockhart is survived by her two daughters, Anne Kathleen and June Elizabeth.
