June Lockhart, a beloved television actress best known for her roles as the mother on both “Lassie” and “Lost in Space,” has died at the age of 100.
LockhartS passing marks the end of an era for classic television, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and family entertainment that resonated with generations of viewers. Born in New York city on June 25, 1925, she began her career alongside her parents in the 1938 film *A Christmas Carol* at the age of 13.
Before achieving television fame, Lockhart honed her skills in supporting film roles throughout the 1940s and even starred as the top-billed lead in *She-Wolf of London*. she also found success on Broadway, earning critical acclaim for her performance in *For love or Money*, wich the New York Times described as “enchanting.”
Her stage work garnered numerous awards, including a Tony award, a Donaldson Award, a Theater World Award, and the Associated Press citation for Woman of the Year for Drama.
Lockhart became a household name in the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, starring in 200 episodes of “Lassie.” She continued her television career with guest appearances on shows like “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” “The Alfred Hitchcock hour,” and “magnum P.I.”
However, she is perhaps most fondly remembered for her role as Maureen Robinson, the warm and resourceful mother of space explorers, in the science-fiction series “Lost in Space,” which aired from 1965 too 1968.
Even in recent years, Lockhart remained connected to her craft, making a cameo appearance in a 2021 Netflix remake of “Lost in Space,” providing the voice of Alpha Control.
“She was very happy up until the very end, reading the New York Times and LA Times everyday,” her spokesman and friend of 40 years, Lyle Gregory, told US media. “It was very crucial to her to stay focused on the news of the day.”
Lockhart is survived by her two daughters, including Anne Lockhart, who is also an actress.
