June Lockhart, ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space’ star, dies at 100 as Hollywood pays tribute

Lockhart earned two Emmy Award nominations, a Special Tony Award for stage work and stars on Hollywood's Walk of Fame

June Lockhart, the celebrated actress best known for her roles in Lassie and Lost in Space, has died aged 100.

She passed away on October 23 in Santa Monica, California, as confirmed by Variety. Her death marks the loss of one of television’s most enduring figures, whose career spanned nearly eight decades across film, stage, and television.

Lockhart became a familiar face to American audiences through her portrayal of Ruth Martin, Timmy’s devoted foster mother, in Lassie from 1958 to 1964. Her warmth and grace in the role embodied the ideal television mother of the era.

She later reached new heights of fame as Dr. Maureen Robinson, the intelligent and compassionate matriarch of a family lost in space, in the classic science-fiction series Lost in Space (1965–1968).

Her acting career began in childhood, following in the footsteps of her actor parents. At just 13, she made her film debut in A Christmas Carol, followed by appearances in Sergeant York and Meet Me in St. Louis.

Over more than fifty years, she guest-starred in numerous television hits, including The Beverly Hillbillies, Roseanne, and Grey’s Anatomy.

Lockhart earned two Emmy Award nominations and received a Special Tony Award for her stage work. She was also honoured with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — one for film and one for television.

The news of Lockhart's passing sparked a wave of tributes from her family, friends and co-stars.

Her daughter, June Elizabeth, said, "Mommy always considered acting her craft, but her true passions were journalism, politics, science, and NASA. She cherished her role in ‘Lost in Space’ and was delighted to know she inspired many future astronauts."

Billy Mumy, who played Lockhart's onscreen son in Lost in Space called her, “ A one-of-a-kind, talented, nurturing, adventurous, and noncompromising Lady".

https://web.facebook.com/bill.mumy/posts/goodbye-to-the-brilliant-june-lockhart-a-one-of-a-kind-talented-nurturing-advent/10241055578185986/

Jon Provost Lockhart's TV son in Lassie said, "June was a true professional, with a kind heart and an open mind".

https://web.facebook.com/jon.provost.31/posts/i-have-some-sad-news-we-have-lost-another-movie-and-television-icon-my-tv-mom-ju/25036235285993387/

Angela Cartwright described Lockhart as "smart, quick, and funny — she filled her 100 years with curiosity, laughter, and rock ‘n’ roll".

https://web.facebook.com/TheAngelaCartwright/posts/i-was-so-very-sad-to-hear-that-june-lockhart-has-passed-away-she-played-my-mom-o/1445240310293749/

Stephen Bishop shared, "I was lucky to know her, a true legend. She was as kind and gracious in person as she was talented on screen".

https://www.facebook.com/stephenbishopofficial/posts/sad-to-learn-that-my-friend-june-lockhart-has-passed-away-at-100-i-was-lucky-to-/1346099846874308/

Diane Warren replied to Stephen Bishop’s tribute and commented, “Loved her!!! Lost In Space and Lassie. Bye-bye, childhood. Rest in Power, June Lockhart.”