June Lockhart is most known for her appearances as a legendary TV mom, but her nine-decade career has included much more. She appeared on “Lassie” from 1958 to 1964 as Ruth Martin, Timmy’s mother (played by Jon Provost), and Lassie’s friend.
From 1965 until 1968, she portrayed Dr. Maureen Robinson, the family matriarch, on “Lost in Space.” Lockhart’s career has expanded with other projects, and she is now a mother and grandmother.
Aside from “Lassie” and “Lost in Space,” Lockhart has been in programs such as “Bewitched,” “Petticoat Junction,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “Step by Step,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
She also featured on approximately 40 episodes of “General Hospital.” Her most recent work includes a 2006 episode of “Grey’s Anatomy,” the TV movie “Holiday in Handcuffs” (2006), and the 2016 feature “The Remake.”
Lockhart has also made an impression on the stage, winning the Tony Award for Outstanding Performance by a Newcomer in 1948 for “For Love or Money.”
Her passion for space exploration is both personal and professional. She has been a longtime NASA supporter and received the Exceptional Public Achievement Medal in 2013 for her contributions to the agency.
Lockhart has worked with NASA since the 1970s, attending space shuttle launches, addressing staff, and promoting the organization.
Lockhart has gotten married twice. She married John F. Maloney from 1951 until 1959, and they had two children: June Elizabeth and Anne Lockhart, who is also an actor. She married John Lindsay in 1959, and the couple separated in 1970.
In a 2014 interview with the Fayette Tribune, Lockhart fondly remembered her debut film, 1938’s “A Christmas Carol,” in which she appeared alongside her acting parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart.
The movie has become a family ritual, and Lockhart likes viewing it with her daughter Junie and granddaughter Christianna. The family chuckles at her first movie line, “I know, I know-sausages!” which has become a favorite family joke.
In a 2015 interview with The Daily Item, Lockhart discussed her outlook on life. “I’ve had many opportunities that just dropped into my lap over the years, and I’m glad I was equal to them,” she told the crowd. “I used to think 90 was really ancient. But I feel 55. I’m quite lucky to still be active and working.”