By Harshit, LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26, 2025 5 AM EDT
Veteran actress June Lockhart, best known for her iconic roles as the devoted mother in Lassie and the pioneering space matriarch in Lost in Space, has died at the age of 100. Her family confirmed that Lockhart passed away of natural causes on October 23 at her home in Santa Monica, California, surrounded by her daughter June Elizabeth and granddaughter Christianna.
“June was one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood,” her representative Harlan Boll said in a statement shared with USA TODAY. Her family remembered her as “a beacon of grace, humor, and resilience who brought warmth to millions through her performances.”
A Career Rooted in Hollywood’s Golden Age
Born on June 25, 1925, in New York City, June Lockhart seemed destined for a life in entertainment. She was the daughter of celebrated actors Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, both acclaimed stage and film performers. At just 8 years old, she made her acting debut in the 1933 Metropolitan Opera House production of Peter Ibbetson.
By her teenage years, Lockhart had already earned screen credits in classic Hollywood films. At age 13, she appeared alongside her parents in the 1938 adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, where the Lockhart family portrayed the Cratchits — marking one of the rare times all three performed together.
Her early film work included appearances in “All This, and Heaven Too” (1940), “Sergeant York” (1941), “Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944), “The Yearling” (1946), and “She-Wolf of London” (1946). These roles established her as a talented young actress with a screen presence marked by sincerity and warmth.
In 1947, she made her Broadway debut in For Love or Money, a performance that earned her the Tony Award for Best Newcomer — a rare honor for a performer so early in her career.
The Heart of Television’s Golden Era
While Lockhart’s film and stage career flourished, it was television that made her a household name.
Her portrayal of Ruth Martin, the patient, compassionate mother of a farm boy and his heroic collie on CBS’s Lassie (1958–1964), cemented her status as America’s favorite TV mom. For millions of viewers, Lockhart’s presence represented the heart and steadiness of postwar American family life.
She later transitioned from rural pastures to the far reaches of outer space as Maureen Robinson, the matriarch of the intergalactic family in CBS’s Lost in Space (1965–1968). The science-fiction series became a cult classic, blending adventure, humor, and futuristic themes with Lockhart’s grounding maternal presence at its core.
Reflecting on that role decades later, Lockhart told Closer magazine in 2024:
“It was so campy — and I truly enjoyed my relationship with my space family. Lost in Space was my favorite TV role.”
Her other notable television appearances included “Petticoat Junction,” “General Hospital,” and “Beverly Hills 90210.” She even ventured into voice acting, lending her voice to Nickelodeon’s The Ren & Stimpy Show in the 1993 episode “Son of Stimpy,” where she playfully reprised her archetypal TV mom role.
Remembered by Co-Stars and Fans
Lockhart’s Lost in Space co-star Bill Mumy, who portrayed her son Will Robinson, shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook following her death.
“June was one of a kind — talented, nurturing, adventurous, and uncompromising. She did it her way. June will always be one of my very favorite moms,” Mumy wrote.
Over her seven-decade career, Lockhart appeared in more than 200 television shows and films, earning multiple Emmy nominations and the respect of generations of fans. Her legacy endures not only in her performances but in her steadfast professionalism and kindness on and off the screen.
A Life of Curiosity and Compassion
Beyond acting, Lockhart had a lifelong interest in science and space exploration — passions that paralleled her Lost in Space persona. She was an honorary member of the NASA community, frequently visiting the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena and attending space-related events.
In 2012, she was photographed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, radiating the same enthusiasm that once defined her television alter ego.
She also remained active in humanitarian causes, supporting animal welfare, environmental preservation, and programs for aspiring actors. Her family has asked that donations in her memory be made to The Actors Fund, ProPublica, and International Hearing Dog, Inc.
The Enduring Legacy of June Lockhart
Lockhart’s influence on American television stretched far beyond her iconic roles. As one of the few actresses whose career spanned nearly every era of broadcast entertainment — from the early days of live TV to the digital age — she became a touchstone of continuity and grace in an ever-changing industry.
“June Lockhart represented the best of classic television — sincerity, strength, and warmth,” media historian Carole Ford said. “She bridged generations of viewers who grew up seeing her as both the ideal mother and an emblem of optimism.”
Family and Final Years
Lockhart remained active well into her 90s, occasionally appearing at fan conventions and nostalgic TV retrospectives. In recent years, she lived quietly in Santa Monica, close to her family.
She is survived by her daughter June Elizabeth Lockhart, her granddaughter Christianna, and a wide circle of admirers who viewed her as a symbol of Hollywood’s golden heart.
As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, June Lockhart’s 100 years stand as a testament to a life defined by talent, grace, and timeless impact.
“She was gentle, strong, endlessly curious, and always kind,” her family’s statement read. “The world is dimmer without her light, but her spirit lives on — on stage, on screen, and in the hearts of those she inspired.”