June Lockhart, ‘Lost In Space’ and ‘Lassie’ Actress Dies at 100

June Lockhart, the beloved and iconic actress whose career spanned nearly nine decades on stage, film and television, died of peaceful natural causes on October 23 at her home in Santa Monica, California, with her daughter June Elizabeth and granddaughter Christianna by her side. She was 100.

Born June 25, 1925 in New York City, Lockhart made her stage debut at the age of eight in the 1933 production Peter Ibbetson at the Metropolitan Opera House. She made her film debut when she was just thirteen in MGM’s 1938 adaptation A Christmas carolappear alongside her parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart. She then shared the screen with Bette Davis and Charles Boyer All this and heaven too (1940) and with Gary Cooper in Sergeant York (1941). At 19, she appeared as a contract player at MGM as the smart and charming Lucille Ballard in the 1944 classic Meet me in St. Louisdirected by Vincente Minnelli.

Lockhart’s Broadway debut landed For love or money (1947), which earned her the very first Tony Award (then the Antoinette Perry Award) for Outstanding Newcomer. The gold medallion she received was later donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 2008, where it remains part of their permanent entertainment collection.

To television audiences, Lockhart became a fixture of mid-century American life, best known for portraying warm, intelligent, and steadfast mothers. She played Ruth Martin, Timmy’s devoted mother Lassie from 1958 to 1964; Maureen Robinson, the spacefaring matriarch of Lost in space from 1965 to 1968; and dr. Janet Craig continues Petticoat connection from 1968 to 1970. Her many guest roles include appearances in Happy days, Magnum, P.I, Falcon Crest, Buttons land, Full house, Roseanne, The Drew Carey ShowAnd Grey’s anatomy.

Lockhart had two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – one for films and one for television – part of a five-star family legacy shared by the Lockharts. In addition to entertainment, she was a passionate advocate for science and space exploration, long associated with NASA. She was a familiar sight at launches and anniversaries and attended the 40th anniversary of the moon landing in 2009, along with astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. In 2013, NASA honored her contributions with the Exceptional Medal for Public Achievementsin recognition of her continued support of the agency’s mission and her inspiration for generations of explorers.

“Mom always thought about pursuing her profession and calling,” says her daughter June Elizabeth. “But her real passions were journalism, politics, science and NASA. She cherished her time Lost in space and was deeply moved that so many astronauts told her that she inspired their dreams.”

Throughout her life, Lockhart advocated for animal welfare, supporting organizations such as the Santa Monica Mounted Police Horses and serving as national spokesperson for International Hearing Dog Inc. She adored her grand pug, Massimo, who was her constant companion and source of laughter.

The services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations The Actors Fund, ProPublicaAnd International Hearing Dog, Inc.