Loved for her iconic roles as the stereotypical TV mother, June Lockhart has a nine-decade career that extends well beyond her role as Ruth Martin on “Lassie.” Alongside Jon Provost as Timmy, she played Timmy’s loving mother from 1958 to 1964, developing a close relationship with the collie of the same name.
Lockhart enthralled audiences as Dr. Maureen Robinson, the determined matriarch in “Lost in Space,” from 1965 to 1968. Throughout her long career, she has appeared in numerous TV shows, such as “Bewitched,” “Petticoat Junction,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “Step by Step,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
In addition, Lockhart starred in almost 40 episodes of “General Hospital.” More recently, she has starred in the TV movie “Holiday in Handcuffs” (2006), the 2016 film “The Remake,” and an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” (2006).
In 1948, Lockhart’s performance in “For Love or Money” earned her a Tony Award for Outstanding Performance by a Newcomer.
Her love of the universe transcends the stage and screen. A staunch advocate for NASA since the 1970s, Lockhart received the Exceptional Public Achievement Medal in 2013 for her efforts to promote the agency.
She was married to John F. Maloney in the first place, and the two of them had two children: June Elizabeth and Anne Lockhart, who was also an actress, and John Lindsay in the second.
Traditions like watching “A Christmas Carol,” the 1938 movie in which she debuted with her actor parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, highlight her rich family life.
In a 2015 interview with The Daily Item, Lockhart reflected on her life and career, saying, “Over the years, I’ve had a lot of opportunities that just fell into my lap, and I’m glad I was equal to them.”
Gosh, that’s old. I used to think 90. However, I feel like I’m 55. I consider myself extremely fortunate to still be employed and active. Her timeless spirit and zest for life are encapsulated in this statement, which explains why she continues to inspire and amuse people of all ages.