June Lockhart, known for her roles as the archetypal American mother in two iconic TV series, died of natural causes on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at her home in Santa Monica, California. She was 100 years old.
Lockhart passed at 9:20 p.m. local time, with her daughter, June Elizabeth, and granddaughter, Christianna, present. The actress achieved fame for her roles as Ruth Martin on “Lassie” and Dr. Maureen Robinson on “Lost in Space,” remaining one of the last stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Born on June 25, 1925, in New York City, Lockhart was the only child of actors Gene and Kathleen Lockhart. Her father, an original member of the Screen Actors Guild, was nominated for an Oscar in 1939 for “Algiers” and appeared in films such as “His Girl Friday,” “Abe Lincoln in Illinois,” and “Miracle on 34th Street.” Her parents were introduced by Thomas Edison while promoting his phonograph.
Lockhart’s career began at the age of eight with a pantomime scene in Peter Ibbetson at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York in 1933, where she studied ballet. Her film debut was at 13 in MGM’s 1938 adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” in which she appeared alongside her parents as Belinda Cratchit. Before age 25, she acted in “All This and Heaven Too” with Charles Boyer and Bette Davis, as Gary Cooper’s sister in “Sergeant York,” and as Lucille Ballard in “Meet Me in St. Louis.”
Her Broadway debut in 1947 in the comedy “For Love or Money” made her an overnight sensation. She received the first Tony Award for an exceptional debut performance, along with the Donaldson Award and the Theater World Award. The Associated Press named her Drama’s Woman of the Year.
Lockhart gained television fame when she took over the role of Ruth Martin on “Lassie” in the fifth season, beginning in September 1958. Initially declining the role before Cloris Leachman accepted it, she reconsidered. Lockhart portrayed the farm wife for over 200 episodes alongside Hugh Reilly and Jon Provost, earning an Emmy nomination in 1959. Four dogs played the collie during her time on the show.
Provost, now 75, shared his memories on social media after her passing. “June and I worked together on Lassie from 1958 to 1964; she truly was my second mother,” Provost wrote. He recalled advice she gave him when he misbehaved on set. She explained that they were professionals with jobs, saying that while he was a young boy, one day he would be an adult, playing like an adult, like her. They kept in touch through the years, never missing birthday or Christmas cards, and phone calls.
After her family was written out at the start of the 1964-65 season due to a format change, Lockhart transitioned to another motherly role. She joined “Lost in Space” in 1965 as biochemist Maureen Robinson, stranded with her family when their spacecraft was sabotaged during a colonization mission. The series lasted until 1968.
Bill Mumy, who played her son Will Robinson, remembered her as brilliant and nurturing. He noted that she was talented, adventurous, and uncompromising, emphasizing her longevity and independence. Lockhart told Closer magazine in 2024 that “Lost in Space” was her favorite project, describing it as campy and enjoying her relationships with the space family.
After “Lost in Space,” Lockhart joined “Petticoat Junction” during its sixth season as Dr. Janet Craig, replacing Bea Benaderet, who died in October 1968. She remained until the series ended in 1970.
Her career continued into her later years with roles on “General Hospital” and “Beverly Hills 90210,” and guest appearances on shows like “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Happy Days,” “Full House,” “Roseanne,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” She received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for motion pictures and one for television.
Outside acting, Lockhart was a strong advocate for NASA and its mission. Her daughter, June Elizabeth, noted that while acting was her craft, her true passions included journalism, politics, science, and NASA. She appeared with astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin when NASA Television won a primetime Emmy Award in 2009, marking the 40th anniversary of the moon landing broadcast. June Elizabeth said her mother cherished her role in “Lost in Space” and was pleased to inspire future astronauts who reminded her of this during NASA visits.
Lockhart was also an advocate for animal rights, supporting the Santa Monica Mounted Police Horses and serving as the national spokesperson for International Hearing Dog, Inc. Her family noted her affection for her grand-Pug Massimo, who was always nearby.
