Beloved ‘Lost in Space’ and ‘Lassie’ Star June Lockhart Dies — Cause of Death Revealed

June Lockhart, the beloved actress who became a household name in the 1950s and 1960s through her roles in Lassie and Lost in Space, has died at the age of 100.

The Emmy-nominated performer passed away of natural causes on October 23 in Santa Monica, California, her family confirmed.

Lockhart’s career stretched across nearly eight decades, marking her as one of Hollywood’s most enduring talents.

She first gained national attention playing the caring mother Ruth Martin on Lassie, a role that made her a television icon. A few years later, she took on one of her most memorable parts as Dr. Maureen Robinson in the CBS science fiction series Lost in Space from 1965 to 1968. On the show, she portrayed a smart and devoted mother navigating life marooned in outer space with her family.

Lockhart fondly reflected on her time on both shows. “When I wasn’t shooting Lassie, I became the mistress of Scrabble with my hairdresser and the crew,” she shared, recalling her on-set camaraderie.

She also said that Lost in Space remained her favorite project, adding, “It was so campy, and I truly enjoyed my relationship with my space family.”

Throughout her long career, she received numerous honors. Lockhart earned two Emmy nominations, including one for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Lassie. She was also recognized with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for film and another for television. Earlier in her career, she won a Special Tony Award for her Broadway performance in For Love or Money in 1948, marking her as a standout even at the start of her journey.

A private memorial will be held in her honor. Her family has requested that, instead of flowers, donations be made to The Actors Fund, ProPublica, or International Hearing Dog, Inc.

June Lockhart’s passing marks the end of an era in classic television. Her warmth, intelligence, and charm made her characters feel real and unforgettable.

Few actors have managed to stay relevant across so many generations, and she did it with grace and heart. What are your memories of June Lockhart’s performances? Share your thoughts in the comments.