June Lockhart, Beloved Actress from ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space,’ Passes Away at 100 — One of the Last Icons from Hollywood’s Golden Age
June Lockhart, one of television’s most beloved and enduring stars, has died at the age of 100. The legendary actress, best known for her roles in Lassie and Lost in Space, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 9:20 p.m. in Santa Monica, California. Her daughter, June Elizabeth, and her granddaughter, Christianna, were by her side. According to her family, she died of natural causes.
For anyone who grew up watching classic television, June Lockhart wasn’t just another actress — she was a symbol of warmth, grace, and strength. She embodied the kind of calm, steady presence that made millions of viewers feel at home. Whether she was comforting a lost child on Lassie or guiding a spacefaring family through cosmic adventures on Lost in Space, her characters became timeless maternal figures in American entertainment.
Born June Kathleen Lockhart on June 25, 1925, in New York City, she was destined for the stage. Acting ran in her blood — both of her parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, were established actors. Her career began early when she appeared on stage with her parents and made her film debut at just 13 years old in the 1938 version of A Christmas Carol, starring alongside her father. From there, a remarkable journey began that would span more than eight decades.
In the 1950s, Lockhart became a television staple with her portrayal of Ruth Martin, the compassionate and resilient mother in Lassie. Her gentle wisdom and poise turned the show into a family favorite across generations. Then, in the mid-1960s, she took on another unforgettable role — Dr. Maureen Robinson in Lost in Space. As the matriarch of a family stranded among the stars, Lockhart brought heart and humanity to one of television’s earliest sci-fi dramas.
Her work went far beyond those two iconic roles. Over her lifetime, Lockhart appeared in more than 150 television and film projects, including guest roles on Grey’s Anatomy, 7th Heaven, Petticoat Junction, and General Hospital. She also had a celebrated career on Broadway, earning a Special Tony Award in 1948 for her performance in For Love or Money.
Friends and colleagues often described her as intelligent, grounded, and gracious. In interviews, she spoke humbly about her success and often credited her upbringing and love for storytelling. “I just love to work,” she once said. “The best part of being an actress is that you get to live so many lives.”
June Lockhart’s passing marks the end of an era — she was one of the last surviving actresses from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her career bridged the glamour of old Hollywood and the rise of television, making her one of the few who remained relevant across changing generations of entertainment.
Even at 100, she was still fondly remembered by fans who grew up watching her shows. Her legacy lives on in reruns, streaming platforms, and the hearts of millions who found comfort in her familiar smile. For those who watched her on screen, she wasn’t just an actress — she was family.
As Hollywood says goodbye to June Lockhart, the curtain closes on a lifetime of storytelling and grace. Her work will forever remind us of the simple beauty of sincerity — and the kind of screen presence that never truly fades.
