June Lockhart Dies at 100 — TV Icon of Lassie and Lost in Space Remembered

June Lockhart, the beloved actress known for her iconic roles in Lassie and Lost in Space, has died at the age of 100. Her daughter, June Elizabeth, confirmed the news in a statement on October 23, noting that Lockhart passed away of natural causes at her home in Santa Monica, California. A pioneer of television’s golden age, Lockhart’s career spanned more than eight decades across film, stage, and screen. Her death marks the end of an era for classic American television.

June Lockhart, a celebrated American actress, died peacefully on October 23, 2025, in Santa Monica. She was 100 years old. Lockhart’s passing was confirmed by her daughter, who shared that her mother’s true passions extended beyond acting to journalism, politics, science, and NASA. Lockhart’s influence reached far beyond entertainment, inspiring future astronauts and generations of viewers through her nurturing on-screen presence.

Career Highlights and Legacy

Lockhart’s breakout role came in 1958 as Ruth Martin on Lassie, appearing in over 200 episodes. In 1965, she was cast as Maureen Robinson in Lost in Space, a role she held for 84 episodes. She later starred as Dr. Janet Craig in Petticoat Junction for 45 episodes. Her final television role was in 2021, voicing Alpha Control in Netflix’s Lost in Space reboot. Lockhart earned two Primetime Emmy nominations, including one for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Lassie in 1959.

Quotes and Tributes

June Elizabeth shared:

“Mommy always considered acting her craft, her vocation, but her true passions were journalism, politics, science and NASA.”

Family friend Lyle Gregory added:

“She was very happy up until the very end, reading the New York Times and LA Times every day.”

Lockhart’s influence was felt deeply at NASA, where she was often reminded by astronauts of the inspiration her role in Lost in Space provided.

Cultural Significance

Lockhart’s portrayal of maternal figures helped define the archetype of the television mom. Her work on Lassie and Lost in Space resonated with audiences for decades, blending warmth with strength. Her legacy extends into science and education, where her advocacy and interest in NASA left a lasting impression. Lockhart’s career bridged generations, from Hollywood’s Golden Age to modern streaming platforms.

What’s Next: Memorials and Tributes

A private family memorial is expected, with public tributes likely to follow from television networks and institutions like NASA. Retrospectives of her work are anticipated across major entertainment platforms. Fans and colleagues will continue to honor her legacy through social media and special programming.