Hollywood icon June Lockhart, beloved for her roles in Lassie and Lost in Space, has passed away at age 100. The Emmy-nominated actress leaves behind an inspiring legacy spanning eight decades in film and television.

 

June Lockhart, Beloved Star of Lost in Space and Lassie, Dies at 100

Los Angeles, CA — October 25, 2025:
Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most enduring stars. June Lockhart, the Emmy-nominated actress best known for her iconic roles in Lassie and Lost in Space, has died at the age of 100.

According to People, Lockhart passed away peacefully on Thursday night of natural causes, surrounded by her daughter June Elizabeth and granddaughter Christianna.

Family spokesperson Lyle Gregory, who had been a close friend for over 40 years, told the Associated Press,

“She was very happy up until the very end, reading the New York Times and LA Times every day. It was very important to her to stay focused on the news of the day.”

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A Hollywood Life That Spanned Nearly a Century

Born in New York City in 1925, June Lockhart came from a family deeply rooted in the performing arts. Her parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, were both actors, and it wasn’t long before June followed in their footsteps.

She made her stage debut at just eight years old in a Metropolitan Opera production of Peter Ibbetson, showing early signs of the charm and poise that would later define her career. Her first film role came in 1938’s A Christmas Carol, where she played one of Bob Cratchit’s daughters — a fitting start for a future Hollywood legend.

Lockhart’s early stage performances quickly earned her recognition. In 1947, she starred on Broadway in For Love or Money, a role that would win her a special Tony Award the following year for “Outstanding Performance by a Newcomer.” She later appeared in The Grand Prize in 1955, cementing her reputation as one of the era’s most versatile talents.

Television Royalty: From Lassie to Lost in Space

Lockhart’s television career began in 1949, and over the next eight decades, she would become a familiar face in nearly every major American household. She made guest appearances on popular programs including Hallmark Hall of Fame, Wagon Train, Gunsmoke, Shirley Temple’s Storybook, and Petticoat Junction.

Her first major breakthrough came in 1958, when she landed the role of Ruth Martin in the family drama Lassie . For six years, she portrayed the compassionate and resilient mother, earning critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series.

In 1965, Lockhart transitioned from the countryside to the cosmos, taking on one of her most beloved roles — Maureen Robinson, the mother of a family of space explorers in Lost in Space. The show ran until 1968 and became a cult classic, inspiring generations of fans.

Reflecting on the series years later in a 2004 NPR interview, Lockhart shared a lighthearted observation about its influence:

“People would tell me that watching Lost in Space inspired them to become scientists. I did Lassie for six years, and I never had anybody come up to me and say, ‘It made me want to be a farmer.’”

Even decades later, Lockhart’s connection to the Lost in Space universe remained strong. In 2021, she made a voice cameo in Netflix’s reboot of the series — a touching nod to her legacy in science fiction television.

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A Lifetime of Honors and Achievements

June Lockhart’s long and distinguished career earned her two Emmy nominations and the rare distinction of receiving two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — one for television and one for film.

Beyond her professional achievements, Lockhart was admired for her intelligence, grace, and lifelong curiosity. Friends and colleagues often spoke of her sharp wit and deep interest in current events — qualities she maintained until her final days.

In 1951, she married John F. Maloney, and together they had two daughters, Anne and June Elizabeth, before their divorce in 1959. Her daughter Anne Lockhart would go on to follow in her mother’s footsteps, becoming an actress known for her roles in Battlestar Galactica and Chicago Fire.

 

A Quiet Farewell and a Lasting Legacy

Funeral services for June Lockhart will be held privately, the family confirmed. Instead of sending flowers, they have requested that donations be made to The Actors Fund, ProPublica, and International Hearing Dog Inc., causes close to her heart.

Lockhart’s passing marks the end of an era — a bridge between Hollywood’s golden age and the modern era of television.

Her work across eight decades — from black-and-white classics to Netflix cameos — leaves behind an enduring reminder of the power of storytelling and the timeless magic of performance.

As generations of fans remember her warmth, humor, and extraordinary range, June Lockhart’s legacy will continue to shine — both on Earth and, as Lost in Space fans would say, across the stars.