Actress June Lockhart, known for her roles in classic films and beloved television series, has died at the age of 100. The announcement came today, revealing that Lockhart passed away from natural causes on Thursday in Santa Monica, surrounded by her daughter, June Elizabeth, and granddaughter, Christianna.
Born on June 25, 1925, in New York, Lockhart made her stage debut at just eight years old in the 1933 production of “Peter Ibbetson” at the Metropolitan Opera House. She entered the film industry at the age of 13, appearing in MGM’s 1938 adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” which featured her parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart. Her early career included notable films such as “All This and Heaven Too,” alongside Bette Davis and Charles Boyer, and the classic 1944 musical “Meet Me in St. Louis,” which starred Judy Garland.
A Career Spanning Decades
Lockhart’s talents extended beyond film. In 1947, she won a Tony Award for Best Newcomer for her Broadway debut in “For Love or Money.” She gained immense popularity on television, portraying the nurturing mother in the series “Lassie” and the space-faring Maureen Robinson in “Lost in Space.” Her role as Dr. Janet Craig in “Petticoat Junction” further solidified her status among audiences.
Throughout her career, Lockhart remained active in various episodic series and lent her voice to the animated series “Ren & Stimpy” on Nickelodeon. Her influence extended beyond entertainment; she was a passionate advocate for science and space exploration, serving as a spokesperson for NASA. She attended numerous launches and events, including the 40th Anniversary of the Moon landing in Washington, D.C., in 2009, where she celebrated with astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
“Mommy always considered acting as her craft, her vocation, but her true passions were journalism, politics, science and NASA,” said her daughter, June Elizabeth.
Lockhart’s dedication to space exploration did not go unnoticed. In 2013, NASA awarded her the Exceptional Public Achievement Medal at a ceremony held at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. This honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the agency’s public outreach efforts.
A Lifelong Advocate
In addition to her work in film and television, Lockhart was a staunch defender of animal rights. She supported organizations like the Santa Monica Mounted Police Horses and served as the national spokesperson for International Hearing Dog Inc., advocating for the training of dogs to assist the hearing impaired.
Lockhart’s legacy is deeply rooted in her family’s history. Her father, Gene Lockhart, a prolific character actor and founding member of the Screen Actors Guild, inspired her involvement in the entertainment industry. Family friend Lyle Gregory recounted how Gene Lockhart and Kathleen Arthur were introduced to each other by Thomas Edison in the 1920s, performing sketches to promote the phonograph, which ultimately led to their marriage and the birth of June.
In recognition of her contributions to the arts and advocacy, June Lockhart was awarded The Founders Award by the Screen Actors Guild in 2018. She leaves behind a rich legacy that spans decades in film, television, and community service.
Services for Lockhart will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Actors Fund, ProPublica, or International Hearing Dog Inc.
