“Danger Will Robinson!” If you know this line, you will be saddened to learn June Lockhart has passed away. She played Will Robinson’s mother in the 1960s TV show “Lost in Space.” She also played Timmy’s adoptive mother for six years in the 1950s and 1960s show “Lassie.”
Per an article in The Guardian, “June Lockhart, the popular actor known for her work in film and television, has passed away at the age of 100.
She died on Thursday night of natural causes, with daughter June Elizabeth and granddaughter Christianna by her side, according to People.
Family spokesperson Lyle Gregory, a friend of 40 years, told the Associated Press: ‘She was very happy up until the very end, reading the New York Times and LA Times every day. It was very important to her to stay focused on the news of the day.’
…She achieved particular fame for her leading role on Lassie beginning in 1958. Then, from 1965 to 1968, she portrayed the matriarch of a family of space explorers in Lost in Space. Decades later, in 2021, she made a voice cameo in Netflix’s reboot of the same series.
Speaking with NPR in 2004, Lockhart reflected on how the Lost in Space series had inspired viewers: ‘People would tell her that watching Lost in Space inspired them to become scientists. I did Lassie for six years, and I never had anybody come up to me and say: ‘It made me want to be a farmer.’’”
She had a career on stage before and in movies and TV before and after these shows. She won a Tony as Best Newcomer for her role in “For Love or Money.” And, she was nominated for two Emmy’s for the above two roles.
To me, she brought a lovely, caring and determined mien to these two motherly roles. I was reminded she had a recurring role on the TV dram-edy “Petticoat Junction.” Plus, she played countless guest starring roles. Her movie career included films “Meet me in St. Louis” and “A Christmas Carol” as well as several others.
Let’s remember her well.
musingsofanoldfart 