June Lockhart, whose face became synonymous with wholesome television matriarchs and whose career spanned nearly eight decades, has died at the age of 100. The actress, best remembered for her iconic roles in the beloved TV series Lassie and Lost in Space, passed away of natural causes at her home in Santa Monica on Thursday, October 23, 2025, according to statements provided by her family and longtime friend and spokesperson, Lyle Gregory.
Lockhart’s passing marks the end of an era in American entertainment. Born in New York City on June 25, 1925, she was quite literally born into show business. Her parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, were both respected character actors, and June made her first appearance on stage at just eight years old in a Metropolitan Opera production of Peter Ibbetson, as reported by People and the Associated Press.
Her screen debut came early as well. At age 13, she appeared alongside her parents in the 1938 film adaptation of A Christmas Carol, playing Bob Cratchit’s daughter. This early exposure to the world of performance set the tone for what would become a remarkable and enduring career.
Lockhart’s talents shone on Broadway, where she starred in For Love or Money in 1947. The New York Times described her performance as “enchanting,” and her work earned her a special Tony Award for outstanding performance by a newcomer in 1948, as well as a Donaldson Award, a Theatre World Award, and the Associated Press citation for Woman of the Year for Drama. She would later appear in The Grand Prize in 1955, further cementing her status as a versatile stage actress.
Her television career began in 1949, with guest spots on popular programs such as Hallmark Hall of Fame, Shirley Temple’s Storybook, Wagon Train, and Gunsmoke. Over the years, Lockhart’s warm presence graced a staggering array of TV shows, from Petticoat Junction and General Hospital to Beverly Hills 90210, Happy Days, Full House, Roseanne, and even Grey’s Anatomy. According to BBC, she worked steadily for almost 80 years, a feat few in Hollywood can claim.
But it was her role as Ruth Martin, the gentle and steadfast mother in Lassie, that brought her into millions of American homes. Lockhart starred in over 200 episodes of the series from the late 1950s into the 1960s, earning an Emmy nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a drama series. She once reflected on her time in family television, telling NPR in 2004, “People would tell her 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.’”
Her next iconic role came in 1965, when she was cast as Maureen Robinson, the matriarch of a family of space explorers in the science-fiction series Lost in Space. For three seasons, until 1968, Lockhart’s character provided wisdom and warmth amid the perils of intergalactic adventure. The show became a cult classic, inspiring generations of fans and even future scientists, as Lockhart herself noted. Decades later, in 2021, she returned to the franchise for a cameo voice appearance as Alpha Control in Netflix’s rebooted version, a nod to her enduring connection to the series and its legacy.
Lockhart’s contributions to entertainment did not go unnoticed. She received two Emmy nominations, including for her work on Lassie, and was honored with not just one, but two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—one for her work in film and another for television. Her career, marked by versatility and longevity, included memorable guest appearances on shows like The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, and Magnum P.I.
Off screen, Lockhart’s life was as full as her resume. She married John F. Maloney in 1951, and the couple had two daughters, Anne and June Elizabeth, before divorcing in 1959. Anne Lockhart would go on to become an actress herself, continuing the family tradition.
According to family spokesperson Lyle Gregory, who was a friend of Lockhart’s for 40 years, the actress maintained a keen interest in current events right up until her passing. “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,” Gregory told US media and the Associated Press.
Lockhart’s final days were spent in the company of family. She died peacefully with her daughter June Elizabeth and granddaughter Christianna by her side, as reported by People. She is survived by both of her daughters, including Anne Lockhart, and leaves behind a legacy that has touched countless fans and inspired generations of performers.
Funeral services for Lockhart will be held privately, honoring her family’s wishes. Rather than sending flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Actors Fund, ProPublica, and International Hearing Dog Inc.—organizations close to Lockhart’s heart.
Looking back, it’s hard not to marvel at the sheer breadth of Lockhart’s achievements. From a child star in A Christmas Carol to a Broadway darling, from the nurturing Ruth Martin of Lassie to the pioneering Maureen Robinson in Lost in Space, her work has resonated across generations. She was, as the New York Times once put it, “enchanting”—a word that still fits, even now.
Lockhart’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and grace. She navigated the shifting tides of Hollywood with dignity and humor, never losing sight of what mattered most to her: her craft, her family, and her curiosity about the world. As her friend Lyle Gregory noted, she remained “very happy up until the very end.”
For fans, colleagues, and friends, June Lockhart will be remembered not just as a star of stage and screen, but as a symbol of an era when television brought families together and stories like hers became part of the fabric of American life. Her light, which shone brightly for a century, leaves an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
