• June Lockhart, famous for her roles in 'Lassie' and 'Lost in Space,' dies at age 100.
• Lockhart portrayed warm, maternal characters that captivated generations of viewers.
• She remained active in TV and theater even after her iconic roles, showcasing a versatile career.
• Her family confirmed her passing due to natural causes at her home in Santa Monica.
• Lockhart was known for her adventurous spirit and love of journalism, attending presidential briefings for years.

June Lockhart, who became a mother figure for a generation of television viewers through her roles in "Lassie" and "Lost in Space," has died at the age of 100. She passed away of natural causes at her home in Santa Monica, California, as confirmed by family spokesman Lyle Gregory on October 25, 2025. Lockhart's family stated that she was “very happy up until the very end, reading the New York Times and LA Times every day” and valued staying informed about current events, according to SFGate and NPR.

Lockhart was born on June 25, 1925, in New York City to actor parents, which laid the foundation for her future career in entertainment. Beginning her career in film, she appeared in numerous movies, including "Meet Me in St. Louis," before transitioning to television. From 1958 to 1964, she portrayed Ruth Martin, the adoptive mother of Timmy in "Lassie," and later played Maureen Robinson, the mother in "Lost in Space" from 1965 to 1968. Her performances in these iconic series made her a beloved figure in American homes, as noted by Reuters.

Lockhart's portrayal of maternal characters endeared her to many viewers, turning her into a cultural icon of the 1950s and 1960s. She often expressed that, despite her wholesome image on screen, her real life was very different. "I can control my reputation, but not my image... I do a lot of things that don't go with my image," she remarked in an interview, reflecting her adventurous spirit and multifaceted personality, according to SFGate. Throughout her career, she garnered significant acclaim, including a Tony Award in 1948 for her performance in "For Love or Money" and two Emmy Award nominations.

Lockhart remained active in television and theater long after her signature roles, appearing in series such as "Petticoat Junction" and various soap operas like "General Hospital." Her versatility extended to voice work in animated films and participation in theater productions. Lockhart also expressed a genuine passion for journalism, often attending White House press briefings, which she enjoyed greatly. Gregory mentioned, "Her true passion was journalism," highlighting this lesser-known aspect of her life, as reported by both NPR and Reuters.

Fans and colleagues remembered Lockhart fondly for her warm personality and sense of humor. She was known to share enjoyable memories from her time on "Lost in Space," including a particularly humorous episode titled "The Great Vegetable Rebellion." "We laughed so very hard through all of the shooting," she recalled, demonstrating the joy she brought to co-stars and audiences alike. Her vibrant legacy will endure through the memories of those she entertained, as noted by NPR and Reuters.