Beloved ‘Lassie’ Actress June Lockhart Passes Away — Details

She was a shining star of America's Golden Age, a face cherished across generations, a name that once lit up every living room in the country. Now, the curtains have closed for good.

June Lockhart, the radiant screen icon who charmed generations in "Lassie" and "Lost in Space," has passed away, just months after celebrating her 100th birthday.

A portrait of actress June Lockhart, dated June 16, 1965. | Source: Getty Images

The devastating news broke late Saturday, October 25, unleashing an emotional tidal wave of grief and disbelief across the internet. Tributes have been pouring in as fans try to come to terms with the loss of a woman who lit up the screen for decades — and touched hearts far beyond it.

As word of her death spread, social media erupted in a swirl of sorrow and nostalgia.

"So sad to lose a legend like June Lockhart. Loved her in everything she did. Now she has become a Traveler, and may her travels be as wonderful as she was. God Bless you," one fan wrote, referencing her celestial role in the beloved 1960s sci-fi series.

"A wonderful & talented actress. My deepest condolences to her family/friends," another offered solemnly. Some were stunned by the timing: "I thought see already passed away quite some time ago. Is this another one of tjose Mandela effect things ??? [sic]," one fan wondered.

"Thank you for the memories. RIP blessings to the family," another added in heartfelt tribute.

June Lockhart, who starred on the TV Show "Lassie," poses with Lassie at CBS'S 75th Anniversary on November 2, 2003. | Source: Getty Images

But behind the headlines and hashtags, a deeply personal loss unfolded in the quiet hours of a Thursday evening.

Lockhart passed away on October 23, 2025, at 9:20 p.m., in Santa Monica, California — just steps from the city that made her a star. Her daughter, June Elizabeth, and granddaughter, Christianna, were at her side as she took her final breath.

Her cause of death has been confirmed as natural causes.

June Lockhart arrives at The Actors Fund 17th Annual Tony Awards Viewing Party held at Taglyan Cultural Complex on June 9, 2013, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Born in 1925 in New York City, June came from showbiz royalty. Her parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, were both actors — and it didn’t take long for young June to follow in their footsteps.

Her career began at the tender age of eight, when she starred in a Metropolitan Opera production of "Peter Ibbetson." "I was a ballet student at the Met and also danced in several operas with the corps de ballet," she told the Burlington County Times in 2015.

The Cratchit family at Christmas dinner in a scene from "A Christmas Carol," directed by Edwin L. Marin, circa 1938. From third left, June Lockhart, Gene Lockhart, Kathleen Lockhart and Terry Kilburn. | Source: Getty Images

By the time she was a teenager, she was already appearing in films — including the beloved 1938 version of "A Christmas Carol," in which she played Belinda Cratchit alongside her parents. Her father portrayed Bob Cratchit, while her mother played his wife.

"I thought my parents were wonderful as the Cratchits, and it was just great fun to see how a film was made," she said in a 2014 interview with the Ames Tribune. "We used to perform it every Christmas at home for our dinner guests."

A scene from "A Christmas Carol," directed by Edwin L. Marin, circa 1938. | Source: Getty Images

One moment from the film became a cherished family tradition. Her first words on screen? "I know, I know — sausages!"

"It's become a family joke, and we all shriek with laughter when we watch it now," she said. "To be able to watch it with my grandchildren — well, who gets to do something like that?"

A scene from "A Christmas Carol," directed by Edwin L. Marin, circa 1938. | Source: Getty Images

Lockhart went on to appear in more films — including "Meet Me in St. Louis" — before transitioning to television, where she truly became a household name.

She made her TV debut in "The Ford Theatre Hour" in 1949 and continued performing on Broadway, earning critical acclaim. Then, in 1958, she was cast as Ruth Martin on "Lassie," taking over the role from actress Cloris Reachman.

Lassie poses with Jon Provost, June Lockhart, and Hugh Reilly (1915-1998) for a group portrait issued as publicity for the US television series, "Lassie," circa 1955. | Source: Getty Images

It was there she formed a lifelong bond with Jon Provost, who played Timmy. "My own mother might forget my birthday, but June never does," Provost told People in 1994.

After "Lassie" ended in 1965, Lockhart leapt into space — joining the cast of "Lost in Space," portraying the calm, intelligent matriarch of a futuristic family.

June Lockhart poses for a portrait promoting "Lost in Space," dated June 16, 1965. | Source: Getty Images

Decades later, in 2015, the complete series was released on Blu-ray, and at 90 years old, Lockhart was still working — starring in the 2016 film "The Remake."

"I've had many opportunities that just dropped into my lap over the years and I'm glad I was equal to them," she said. "I used to think 90, gosh, that's old. But I feel 55. I'm very fortunate to still be active and working."

Her final acting credit came in 2021, with a cameo in Netflix's "Lost in Space" reboot — a fitting full-circle moment for the screen legend.

June Lockhart attends the birthday celebration and fundraiser for Representative Diane E. Watson (D 33rd District Los Angeles) at a private residence on November 14, 2009, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Following news of her passing, tributes from friends and former co-stars began to pour in — each one painting a picture of a woman who was as kind as she was commanding. Jon Provost described her as "truly" his "second mother."

"We were on the set and I was misbehaving a bit, being a little mischievous. June took me aside, and very firmly explained to me that we were professionals and that we had a job to do," he recalled. "She told me that I was a young boy playing a young boy, but that one day I would be an adult, playing an adult like her."

The two stayed close, exchanging birthday and Christmas cards for decades. "Love you June," Provost concluded. "And I will miss you a bunch."

Bill Mumy, her co-star on "Lost in Space," also shared an emotional farewell. "Goodbye to the brilliant June Lockhart. A one of a kind, talented, nurturing, adventurous, and non compromising Lady. She did it her way. June will always be one of my very favorite moms. 100 years here. Wow! R.I.P.," he wrote.

Angela Cartwright, who played her daughter on the show, wrote: "I was so very sad to hear that June Lockhart has passed away. She played my mom on 'Lost in Space,' and I'll always treasure our time together on and off the screen."

Even Huey Lewis weighed in — Lockhart appeared in the music video for his 2020 song "Her Love Is Killin' Me." "She was one of the very first HLN fans," he revealed. "She attended many of our shows, way before we were popular [...]. She was loved and will be missed."