Legendary Actress June Lockhart, Iconic TV Mom of 'Lost in Space' and 'Lassie,' Dies at 100

June Lockhart, renowned for her iconic portrayals of maternal characters in 1950s and 1960s television classics, has died at the age of 100. The actress, best known for her role as Maureen Robinson on the sci-fi series Lost in Space and as Ruth Martin on the family drama Lassie, passed away peacefully at her Santa Monica home from natural causes, according to a family spokesperson.

Lockhart’s portrayal of the pioneering space-traveling mother in Lost in Space (1965-1968) became emblematic of early televised science fiction. The show, created by producer Irwin Allen, recast the 1812 novel The Swiss Family Robinson into a space colonization adventure where the Robinson family’s mission is thrown off course by an unexpected stowaway. Lockhart starred alongside Guy Williams as the family’s leader, with a cast including Billy Mumy, Angela Cartwright, and Marta Kristen as their children.

Initially serious in tone, Lost in Space embraced a campy style in later seasons, highlighted by memorable elements such as the robot’s catchphrase, "Danger, Will Robinson!" Lockhart often cited the hilarious 1968 episode "The Great Vegetable Rebellion," featuring a villainous carrot, as her favorite, recalling how the cast’s laughter on set led to multiple retakes and their temporary removal from two subsequent episodes as producer Irwin Allen’s humorous penalty.

Born June 25, 1925, in New York, Lockhart hailed from an acting family; her father, Gene Lockhart, is remembered for his role in the classic film Miracle on 34th Street. She began her film career at age 12 starring alongside her parents and went on to perform in notable films like the 1944 musical Meet Me in St. Louis. In 1948, she earned a Tony Award for her Broadway work and received multiple Emmy nominations throughout her career.

Lockhart succeeded Cloris Leachman as Timmy’s adoptive mother in the final season of Lassie and later appeared as a doctor on Petticoat Junction, along with a recurring role on General Hospital. She also made a cameo in the 1998 cinematic reboot of Lost in Space.

Known for her enthusiasm for space exploration, Lockhart maintained close ties with NASA astronauts, many of whom credited the original series with inspiring their career paths. She fondly recalled, "To a man, or woman, they say that watching Lost in Space made them know what they wanted to do when they grew up." Her connection to the space community earned her warm respect during shuttle launches.

In addition to her entertainment career, Lockhart was invited regularly to White House press briefings after appearing on a quiz show with members of the press corps in the 1950s. She shared a memorable interaction with President Ronald Reagan, who expressed regret over a 1942 film scene in which his character doused her father with chocolate-covered tomato sauce.

Lockhart was married twice, with both marriages ending in divorce. Her legacy endures through the pioneering roles she inhabited and the inspiration she gave to generations of viewers and aspiring astronauts.