June Lockhart, the beloved actress known for her warm, maternal roles on television classics Lassie and Lost in Space, has died of natural causes at her home in Santa Monica, California, on Thursday. She was 100 years old.
Her death was confirmed by her spokesman, Harlan Boll, and her daughter June Elizabeth and granddaughter Christianna were by her side, according to The New York Times.
Early Life and Stage Career
June Kathleen Lockhart was born on June 25, 1925, in Manhattan, the only child of actors Gene Lockhart and Kathleen Lockhart. Guided by her parents, she appeared on stage at age 8 in a Metropolitan Opera production and made her film debut at 13 in the 1938 version of A Christmas Carol.
Lockhart made her Broadway debut at 22 in For Love or Money, earning both a Tony Award for Best Newcomer and the Theater World Award. She also appeared in classic films such as:
- Meet Me in St. Louis (1945) with Judy Garland
- Sergeant York (1941) with Gary Cooper
- All This, and Heaven Too (1940) with Bette Davis
Television Stardom
Lockhart rose to television fame in 1958, joining Lassie as Ruth Martin, the farm wife and foster mother to Jon Provost’s character. In 1965, she starred in Lost in Space as the mother and interplanetary explorer, alongside the iconic robot and Bill Mumy’s character. The show became a cult classic despite its campy style and low-budget production.
After Lost in Space ended in 1968, she appeared on Petticoat Junction and later joined General Hospital in 1984. Lockhart continued with guest roles and film appearances, including Strange Invaders (1983) and Sleep With Me(1994). Her last roles included voice work in Bongee Bear and the Kingdom of Rhythm (2019) and the 2021 Netflix reboot of Lost in Space, according to The New York Times.
Personal Life
Lockhart married Dr. John F. Maloney in 1951, with whom she had two daughters. The couple divorced in 1959. She was briefly married to architect John Lindsay. She is survived by her daughter June Elizabeth and granddaughter Christianna.
June Lockhart’s career spanned nearly nine decades, leaving an indelible mark on stage, film, and television.
