June Lockhart, Beloved Star of ’Lost in Space‘ and ‘Lassie,’ Dies at 100
June Lockhart, the versatile actress best known for her roles as the compassionate matriarchs in the television series Lost in Space and Lassie, has died at her Los Angeles home, according to reports confirmed by family. She was 100 years old. Lockhart’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of classic television and film,and represents a loss for those inspired by her enduring presence on screen and her genuine warmth.
Lockhart’s career spanned decades, beginning in the Golden Age of hollywood and continuing through numerous television appearances. Her work resonated with generations, portraying strong, capable women while navigating the fantastical worlds of science fiction and the heartwarming adventures of family entertainment. Her legacy extends beyond her on-screen performances, encompassing a dedication to supporting the space program and fostering connections with those she touched throughout her life.
Born in New York City on June 25, 1925, Lockhart entered the entertainment industry through her parents, both actors. Her father,Gene Lockhart,is remembered for his role as the judge in the 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street. She made her film debut at age 12 in a 1938 adaptation of A Christmas Carol, appearing alongside her parents. As a young actress, Lockhart starred in notable films including the 1944 musical Meet Me in St. Louis with Judy garland, and the 1946 film She-Wolf of London. She earned a Tony Award in 1948 for her performance in the Broadway play For Love or Money and received two Emmy Award nominations.
Lockhart took on the role of adoptive mother to timmy, played by Jon Provost, in the fifth season of Lassie, replacing Cloris Leachman. She then became widely recognized for her portrayal of Maureen Robinson in Lost in Space, a role that unexpectedly connected her with the world of space exploration. She later appeared as a doctor in the final two seasons of the sitcom Petticoat Junction and made recurring appearances on the soap opera General Hospital. She even revisited the world of the Robinson family with a cameo in the 1998 film Lost in Space.
Lockhart’s passion for space extended beyond her role on television.She frequently attended NASA space shuttle launches and discovered that Lost in Space had inspired numerous astronauts to pursue careers in the field. “I spend a lot of time with the astronauts at NASA,” she told The Record in 2002. “And each time, they tell me that it is thanks to lost in Space that they found their vocation. So when I’m there, they treat me like a duchess. It’s wonderful.”
Her connections reached even the highest levels of government. After appearing on a game show with members of the White House press office in the 1950s, she received a standing invitation to press briefings, which she accepted for many years. During a conversation with President Ronald Reagan, he confessed his regret over a scene from a 1942 film where he threw a tomato filled with chocolate sauce at her father. “The president told me, ‘I felt bad for doing that to your father, because the idea of mixing tomato sauce and chocolate sauce was really repulsive,'” she recounted to the Chicago Tribune in 1987. Lockhart was married twice, and both marriages ended in divorce.
