June Lockhart, ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space’ Mom, Dies at 100

When June Lockhart, born June 25, 1925, passed away on October 23, 2025 at her Santa Monica residence, the TV world lost a rare link to Hollywood’s Golden Age. The 100‑year‑old actress died of natural causes, a fact confirmed by long‑time family friend and spokesman Lyle Gregory on October 25, 2025.

Early life and a family steeped in show business

June was the daughter of Canadian‑American character actor Gene Lockhart and English‑born stage actress Kathleen Lockhart. Growing up in New York City, she absorbed the cadence of a theatrical household, an environment that would shape a career spanning eight decades.

Her schooling at the exclusive Westlake School for Girls in Beverly Hills (now Harvard‑Westlake) gave her both confidence and connections that helped launch a film debut at age eight in MGM’s A Christmas Carol (1938). By the time she appeared as Rose Smith in Vincente Minnelli’s Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), the young actress was already a familiar face to studio audiences.

From silver screen to television staple

The transition to the small screen in the late 1950s proved decisive. CBS cast her as Ruth Martin, the nurturing mother of Timmy, on LassieUnited States. From 1958 to 1964 she appeared in 156 episodes, anchoring the series with a steady, reassuring presence.

When the space‑age craze gripped America, CBS turned to her again. From September 15, 1965 to March 6, 1968 she played Maureen Robinson, the fearless mother‑captain of the Robinson family on Lost in SpaceUnited States. The series, with its blend of camp and adventure, cemented her as a cultural icon for a generation of kids who imagined life beyond Earth.

During the same era she popped up as Dr. Janet Craig on Petticoat Junction, adding yet another maternal archetype to her résumé.

Accolades, awards, and a lifetime of work

Lockhart earned two Primetime Emmy nominations—one for her work on Lassie and another for the sci‑fi pioneer Lost in Space—and won a Tony for originating Barbara Grant in the 1948 Broadway hit For Love or Money. Over 72 credited roles later, the IMDB lists her career as stretching from 1933 to 2021, a span most actors can only dream of.

• Born: June 25, 1925, New York City
• Died: October 23, 2025, Santa Monica
• Key TV roles: Ruth Martin (Lassie), Maureen Robinson (Lost in Space)
• Emmy nominations: 2
• Tony Award: 1 (For Love or Money)

Industry reaction and upcoming tributes

News of her passing rippled through the entertainment community. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is expected to issue a formal statement at its September 2026 awards ceremony, where a posthumous honor may be presented. Likewise, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is reportedly planning a commemorative plaque on Hollywood Boulevard.

Fans from the Lassie Lover's Club (12,000 members) and the Robinson Crusoes (8,500 members) have already scheduled tribute viewings at their 2026 conventions in Branson, Missouri, and Burbank, California. The buzz on social media reflects a shared sentiment: losing not just an actress, but the comforting voice that said, "Everything will be okay" to countless children.

Legacy beyond the screen

Even in her final days, June kept her mind sharp, reading the New York Times and Los Angeles Times daily, according to Lyle Gregory. That habit underscores a broader lesson—her commitment to staying informed mirrored the characters she played: grounded, present, and ever‑curious.

As streaming services continue to resurrect classic series for new audiences, her performances remain a benchmark for authentic, heartfelt acting. The continued syndication of Lassie and Lost in Space across 142 countries ensures that, while the actress is gone, her influence will echo for decades to come.