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

By Trevor Decker | October 25, 2025 | RIP

2 mins read

June Lockhart, a cherished figure of television’s golden era best known for her roles as the nurturing mother on Lassie and Lost in Space, has passed away at the age of 100. The actress died peacefully at her home in Santa Monica, California, on October 23.

Born June 25, 1925, in New York City, June Kathleen Lockhart was destined for the screen. Her parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, were both accomplished actors, and she made her first on-screen appearance alongside them in the 1938 film A Christmas Carol. That early experience marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would span nearly nine decades across film, stage, and television.

Lockhart’s film career flourished in the 1940s with memorable appearances in Meet Me in St. Louis and She-Wolf of London. Her transition to the stage proved just as successful when she earned a Tony Award for her Broadway performance in For Love or Money in 1947, a rare early recognition that underscored her natural presence and versatility.

It was on television, however, that Lockhart became a familiar face to millions. From 1958 to 1964, she played Ruth Martin on Lassie, the compassionate mother figure who anchored the family drama at the heart of the beloved series. A few years later, she took to the stars as Maureen Robinson in Lost in Space from 1965 to 1968, where she portrayed a strong and steady matriarch guiding her family through the perils of outer space.

Her ability to bring warmth and intelligence to both roles made her one of television’s most recognizable and comforting presences. In later years, she continued to appear in guest roles on series such as Perry Mason, General Hospital, and Grey’s Anatomy, and even made a cameo in Netflix’s modern revival of Lost in Space, connecting generations of fans.

In recognition of her contributions to both film and television, Lockhart received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Over the decades, she remained an admired and respected figure within the industry, known not only for her professionalism but also for her enduring kindness and curiosity.

Friends and family have shared that Lockhart remained sharp and full of gratitude until the very end, enjoying a long and fulfilled life that mirrored the warmth she brought to the screen. Her legacy continues to live on through her timeless performances and the countless actors and viewers she inspired.