LOS ANGELES (AP) – October 26, 2025 – June Lockhart, the iconic actress who became America’s favorite TV mom in the beloved classics “Lassie” and “Lost in Space,” has died at the age of 100.
Lockhart passed away peacefully on Thursday at her Santa Monica home of natural causes, according to longtime family friend and spokesman Lyle Gregory.
A Star Who Defined Television Motherhood
June Lockhart’s career spanned more than eight decades, but it was her warm, reassuring portrayals of mothers on television that cemented her as a household name. From 1958 to 1964, she played Ruth Martin on CBS’s Lassie, lovingly raising young Timmy (Jon Provost) and his loyal collie. Then, from 1965 to 1968, she traded the family farm for outer space, portraying Maureen Robinson, the calm, intelligent matriarch aboard the Jupiter II in Lost in Space.
Lockhart’s television characters embodied stability and compassion during an era when American families gathered around the TV together. Decades later, baby boomers would line up at fan conventions to thank her for being the “mom” who guided them through childhood.
But offscreen, Lockhart was far more adventurous than her on-screen image suggested.
“I love rock ‘n’ roll and going to concerts,” she told the Los Angeles Times in 1994. “I’ve driven Army tanks, flown in hot air balloons, and gone plane-gliding — the kind without motors. I do a lot of things that don’t go with my image.”
From Hollywood Heritage to Television Fame
Born June 25, 1925, in New York City, Lockhart came from a distinguished acting family. Her father, Gene Lockhart, was a prolific character actor known for A Christmas Carol (1938) and His Girl Friday (1940), while her mother, Kathleen Lockhart, also worked in film and theater.
June made her stage debut at age 8 and appeared alongside her parents in A Christmas Carol, playing the Cratchit family’s daughter. By her teens, she was landing ingénue roles in major studio films, including All This, and Heaven Too (1940), Sergeant York (1941), Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), and Son of Lassie (1945) — unknowingly foreshadowing the role that would later define her career.
When her film career slowed, Lockhart seamlessly transitioned to television, appearing in early live dramas and talk shows before securing her career-making role in Lassie. She followed that success with Lost in Space, a colorful, campy sci-fi series that became a pop culture phenomenon.
Reflecting on the experience, Lockhart said,
“It was like going to work at Disneyland every day.”
“Lassie” and “Lost in Space” — Cultural Touchstones
As Ruth Martin in Lassie, Lockhart’s gentle authority and warmth helped shape the archetype of the wholesome American mother. She often joked about her famous canine co-star:
“I worked with four Lassies. There was only one main Lassie at a time, then one for running, one for fighting, and a stand-in. Lassie wasn’t especially friendly — he was all business.”
In Lost in Space, Lockhart brought emotional depth and intelligence to the role of Maureen Robinson, the family’s anchor amid cosmic chaos. Her performance helped elevate the show beyond camp, earning her a lifelong bond with fans and co-stars alike.
“So smart, quick, and funny — she filled her 100 years with curiosity, laughter, and rock ’n’ roll,” wrote Angela Cartwright, who played her daughter Penny Robinson, in a heartfelt tribute.
Bill Mumy, who played her son Will, added: “A one-of-a-kind, talented, nurturing, and adventurous lady. She did it her way. June will always be one of my favorite moms.”
Beyond the Screen
Lockhart’s work continued well into her later years, with guest roles on General Hospital, Knots Landing, and The Colbys. She also starred in Petticoat Junction as Dr. Janet Craig and lent her voice to the animated film Bongee Bear and the Kingdom of Rhythm.
Outside of acting, Lockhart nurtured a lifelong passion for journalism.
“Her true passion was journalism,” said Gregory. “She loved attending White House briefings and kept up with both The New York Times and Los Angeles Times every day until the end.”
She often used her media pass to attend presidential news conferences and stayed deeply engaged with current events, a testament to her curiosity and intellect.
Personal Life and Legacy
Lockhart was married and divorced twice: first to Dr. John Maloney, with whom she had two daughters, Anne Kathleen and June Elizabeth, and later to architect John C. Lindsay.
Despite her varied accomplishments, Lockhart remained grateful for the role that made her a cultural icon.
“How wonderful that in a career there is one role for which you are known,” she once said. “Many actors work all their lives and never have one part that is truly theirs.”
June Lockhart’s century-long life was filled with light, laughter, and adventure — both on Earth and beyond the stars. To generations of fans, she will always be the gentle voice calling them home — whether from the family farm or across the galaxy.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
