From ‘Lassie’ to ‘Lost in Space’, beloved actress inspired generations with her warmth, wit and pioneering spirit
June Lockhart. Photo: Reuters
June Lockhart, the celebrated actress best known for her roles in Lassie and Lost in Space, has died aged 100, sparking a wave of tributes from her family, friends and co-stars.
Lockhart passed away on October 23 in Santa Monica, California, as confirmed by Variety. Her death marks the loss of one of television’s most enduring figures, whose career spanned nearly eight decades across film, stage, and television.
Lockhart became a familiar face to American audiences through her portrayal of Ruth Martin, Timmy’s devoted foster mother, in ‘Lassie’ from 1958 to 1964. Her warmth and grace in the role embodied the ideal television mother of the era.
She later reached new heights of fame as Dr Maureen Robinson, the intelligent and compassionate matriarch of a family lost in space, in the classic science-fiction series ‘Lost in Space’ (1965-1968).
Her acting career began in childhood, following in the footsteps of her actor parents. At just 13, she made her film debut in ‘A Christmas Carol’, followed by appearances in ‘Sergeant York’ and ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’.
Over more than 50 years, she guest-starred in numerous television hits, including ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’, ‘Roseanne’, and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She earned two Emmy Award nominations and received a Special Tony Award for her stage work.
She was also honoured with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – one for film and one for television. The news of Lockhart’s passing sparked a wave of tributes from her family, friends and co-stars.
Her daughter, June Elizabeth, said, “Mommy always considered acting her craft, but her true passions were journalism, politics, science, and NASA. She cherished her role in ‘Lost in Space’ and was delighted to know she inspired many future astronauts.”
Billy Mumy, who played Lockhart’s onscreen son in Lost in Space called her, “A one-of-a-kind, talented, nurturing, adventurous, and noncompromising Lady”. Goodbye to the brilliant June Lockhart.”
Jon Provost Lockhart’s TV son in Lassie said, “I have some sad news, we have lost another movie and television icon, my TV mom, June Lockhart has passed. June and I worked together on lassie from 1958 to 1964, she truly was my second mother.”
Angela Cartwright described Lockhart as “smart, quick, and funny — she filled her 100 years with curiosity, laughter, and rock ‘n’ roll”. “I was so very sad to hear that June Lockhart has passed away. She played my mom on ‘Lost in Space’, and I’ll always treasure our time together on and off the screen.”
Stephen Bishop shared, “I was lucky to know her, a true legend, adding that she was as kind and gracious in person as she was talented on screen. “Sad to learn that my friend June Lockhart has passed away at 100. I was lucky to know her, a true legend.”
Diane Warren replied to Stephen Bishop’s tribute and commented, “Loved her!!! Lost In Space and Lassie. Bye-bye, childhood. Rest in Power, June Lockhart.”
