June Lockhart, the actress who became television’s favorite mother through her iconic roles in “Lassie” and “Lost in Space,” passed away peacefully at her Santa Monica home on October 23, 2025. She was 100 years old. With her daughter and granddaughter by her side, the beloved star ended a remarkable career that lasted almost nine decades, leaving a lasting impact on entertainment and space exploration.
Who Was June Lockhart?
For millions of television viewers, June Lockhart embodied the ideal mother figure. She first won audiences as Ruth Martin, the caring farm wife on Lassie from 1958 to 1964, and then became Maureen Robinson in Lost in Space starting in 1965. But her career began long before these roles—she made her stage debut at just 8 at the Metropolitan Opera and appeared in classic films like Meet Me in St. Louis with Judy Garland. Her career spanned decades, ending with the 2021 Netflix Lost in Space reboot.
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How Did She Inspire Real Space Exploration?
Surprisingly, her science fiction role influenced real-world space programs, and NASA honored her with the “Exceptional Public Achievement Medal.” Why did a television actress receive such a prestigious honor? Her daughter, June Elizabeth, explained that while acting was her profession, her true passions were science and NASA. Many astronauts personally told Lockhart that her portrayal of a space explorer inspired their career choices. This connection to real scientific achievement meant more to her than any of her hundreds of acting roles.
What Made Her Such a Beloved Figure?
The outpouring of tributes from co-stars reveals why Lockhart remained so cherished. Angela Cartwright, who played her daughter in “Lost in Space,” remembered her as “smart, quick, and funny” and noted she “filled her 100 years with curiosity, laughter, and rock ‘n’ roll.” Jon Provost, her television son Timmy on “Lassie,” shared how she taught him professional discipline while maintaining “a kind heart and an open mind.” They maintained their connection for decades, never missing birthday cards or Christmas calls. Singer Stephen Bishop simply called her “a beautiful soul” who was as gracious in person as she was talented on screen.
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What Was Her Personal Journey Like?
Born into an acting family in Manhattan on June 25, 1925, Lockhart seemed destined for the stage. Her parents, both actors themselves, guided her early career. She made her Broadway debut at 22, winning a Tony Award for Best Newcomer. Her personal life included marriage to Dr. John F. Maloney, with whom she had two daughters, and later to architect John Lindsay. Her family’s statement captured their loss perfectly: “Now, the woman who loved to fly, has embarked on her last adventure.” They described feeling “lucky to have been part of her journey” with hearts “full of love and pride in her accomplishments.”
