The world of entertainment mourns the loss of one of its most cherished figures, as Hollywood icon June Lockhart has passed away at the remarkable age of 100.
Renowned for her memorable performances in beloved classics such as “Lassie,” “Lost in Space,” and “Petticoat Junction,” Lockhart died peacefully at her Santa Monica, California home. The revered actress succumbed to natural causes on Thursday, October 23, at 9:20 p.m., as confirmed by a family spokesperson.
In her final moments, Lockhart was surrounded by the love of her family, with her daughter June Elizabeth and granddaughter Christianna by her side.
June Elizabeth paid an emotional tribute to her mother, reflecting on her multifaceted passions: “Mommy always considered acting her craft, but her true passions were journalism, politics, science, and NASA.”
She fondly recalled how her mother relished her role in “Lost in Space,” taking great pride in knowing that she had inspired a new generation of future astronauts.
‘She cherished her role in ‘Lost in Space’ and was delighted to know she inspired many future astronauts.’
Beloved screen legend June Lockhart has died at the age of 100
The actress — best known for her roles in Lassie, Lost in Space, and Petticoat Junction — passed away of natural causes at her home in Santa Monica, California, on Thursday, October 23 at 9:20 p.m. according to a family spokesperson; (pictured 1960)
With a career spanning nearly nine decades, Lockhart’s extraordinary life bridged the Golden Age of Hollywood and modern television.
The New York–born actress made her stage debut at just eight years old in the 1933 production of Peter Ibbetson and appeared on screen by age 13 in MGM’s A Christmas Carol, alongside her parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart.
By 19, she was a contract player at MGM and starred in classics such as Meet Me in St. Louis, All This and Heaven Too, and Sergeant York.
Her early success carried to Broadway, where she won the first-ever Tony Award for Best Newcomer in 1947 for For Love or Money.
Her historic medallion was later donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 2008.
Television audiences of the 1950s and ’60s knew her best as the devoted mother on Lassie, later as Maureen Robinson on Lost in Space, and as Dr. Janet Craig on Petticoat Junction.
She earned two Emmy nominations and remains one of the few actresses to hold two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Beyond her film and TV work, Lockhart became an unofficial ambassador for NASA, attending launches and celebrations side by side with astronauts including Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
In 2013, NASA honored her with its Exceptional Public Achievement Medal, one of her proudest achievements.
The New York–born actress made her stage debut at just eight years old in the 1933 production of Peter Ibbetson and appeared on screen by age 13 in MGM’s A Christmas Carol, alongside her parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart; (pictured in 1964)
Television audiences of the 1950s and ’60s knew her best as the devoted mother on Lassie, later as Maureen Robinson on Lost in Space; (pictured 1966)
Lockhart (L) had a small role alongside Judy Garland in Meet Me in St. Louis
Lockhart and Don Porter in 1946
June Lockhart (center) with her parents, Kathleen and Gene Lockhart, ca. mid-1930s
A lifelong advocate for animal rights, Lockhart also supported the Santa Monica Mounted Police Horses and served as a national spokesperson for International Hearing Dog Inc.
Family friend Lyle Gregory reflected on her legacy, saying, ‘Now, the woman who loved to fly has embarked on her last adventure. We will miss this truly remarkable woman, mom, and grandmama — and we feel lucky to have been part of her journey.’
Services will be private.
The family asked that donations be made to her favorite animal and hearing dog charities in lieu of flowers.
