BREAKING NEWS: HOLLYWOOD LEGEND JUNE LOCKHART DIES AT 100 — BELOVED STAR OF LASSIE AND LOST IN SPACE REMEMBERED AS AMERICA’S FAVORITE TV MOM
Los Angeles, California — Actress June Lockhart, the radiant star whose warmth, grace, and quiet strength defined generations of television, has passed away at the age of 100. Known around the world as the loving mother from “Lassie” and the brilliant matriarch in “Lost in Space,” Lockhart’s passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood history.
Born June 25, 1925, in New York City, Lockhart seemed destined for the stage and screen. Her parents, Gene Lockhart and Kathleen Lockhart, were both accomplished actors, and young June made her film debut alongside them in the 1938 adaptation of A Christmas Carol. It was the beginning of a remarkable career that would span more than eight decades.
Lockhart became a household name in the 1950s, starring as Ruth Martin, the caring and steadfast mother in the long-running CBS series “Lassie.” Her gentle manner and loving presence brought a sense of comfort and stability to families across America, making her one of television’s most beloved figures.
In the 1960s, she took to the stars as Maureen Robinson, the compassionate and intelligent mother in the hit sci-fi series “Lost in Space.” Balancing futuristic adventure with timeless family values, her portrayal helped cement the show’s lasting cultural legacy.
Over her career, Lockhart earned two Emmy nominations, a Tony Award, and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star — honors that reflected her immense talent and enduring influence. She appeared in dozens of television shows and films, from Petticoat Junction and General Hospital to Grey’s Anatomy, continually reinventing herself while maintaining her signature warmth.
Beyond the screen, Lockhart was admired for her kindness and generosity. A passionate advocate for the arts and animal welfare, she used her fame to promote causes close to her heart. Friends and co-stars remember her as “grace in motion — kind, wise, and full of life even in her later years.”
Tributes poured in throughout the entertainment world following the news. Actor Bill Mumy, who played her son Will Robinson on Lost in Space, wrote, “She was my TV mom, but also a real friend. June carried light wherever she went — and that light never went out.”
Lockhart reflected on her remarkable journey in a 2015 interview, saying:
“The greatest gift of my life has been the chance to make people smile. That’s all I ever wanted — to remind them that love and kindness matter.”
She is survived by her daughters, Anne Lockhart and Lizabeth Lockhart, who continue their mother’s artistic legacy.
June Lockhart’s passing closes a chapter in Hollywood’s golden story — but her influence, much like her gentle voice and kind eyes, will echo forever in the hearts of those who grew up watching her.
Farewell to a legend. From Lassie to Lost in Space, June Lockhart will always be remembered as the heart of television — a true star who made the world feel like home.