The century-long journey of television's most beloved mum comes to an end

She graced our screens for nearly nine decades and became the warm, steady maternal presence that anchored family TV from the 1950s.

At the remarkable age of 100, actress June Lockhart has passed away and left behind a legacy that spans from Hollywood's golden age and beyond.

Lockhart died peacefully at her home in Santa Monica, California. She was with her daughter, June Elizabeth and granddaughter, Christianna.

For many Australians who grew up watching her shows, she wasn't just an actress; she was the ideal television mum who could handle anything with grace.

A life that spanned television's entire golden era

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Born on 25 June 1925 to actor parents Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, June was born into the entertainment business.

Her career spanned an extraordinary 90 years, which started with her debut in a 1933 Metropolitan Opera production.

She appeared alongside her parents in 1938's A Christmas Carol, playing a Cratchit daughter to their Cratchit parents.

The television mum Australia fell in love with

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While Lockhart appeared in numerous films, including Meet Me in St. Louis and She-Wolf of London, it was television that made her a household name.

From 1958 to 1964, she portrayed Ruth Martin on the television series Lassie.

The following year, she travelled aboard the spaceship Jupiter II as the Robinson family matriarch in the 1965 series Lost in Space.

Lockhart represented motherhood on television—calm in crisis, wise in counsel, and unflappable whether dealing with a rescued collie or alien encounters.

A farewell to television royalty

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The New York Times referred to June Lockhart as the 'Beloved Television Mother,' and her career truly stood out not just in black-and-white television, but even in the age of technicolour TV.

'If it hadn't been for my dearest and oldest friend, June Lockhart, I wouldn't have become the celebrated costume designer I became,' costume designer Jean-Pierre Dorléac, summed up her impact best in a statement.

'June promoted and encouraged me throughout the 55 years we have known each other. What a sensational and fantastic LADY!'

Television children remember their on-screen mum

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The tributes from her former co-stars also revealed June Lockhart's attitude both on and off screen.

Bill Mumy, who played her son on Lost in Space, wrote: '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 favourite mums.'

Angela Cartwright, her Lost in Space daughter, shared the same sentiments as Mumy.

'I was so very sad to hear that June Lockhart has passed away. She played my mum on Lost in Space, and I'll always treasure our time together on and off the screen.'

'I can only imagine she's feeling right at home as she steps off this planet and into the stars,' Cartwright concluded.

Jon Provost, who played Timmy on Lassie, remembered her fondly in a statement. 'June and I worked together on Lassie from 1958 to 1964; she truly was my second mother,' Provost stated.

June Lockhart (centre) with Lassie (left) and Jon Provost (right). Image Credit: IMDb

A sharp mind right to the very end

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What's most remarkable about Lockhart's story is how she remained engaged with the world throughout her long life.

'She was very happy up until the very end, reading the New York Times and LA Times every day,' her family spokesman and friend of 40 years, Lyle Gregory, revealed. 'It was very important to her to stay focused on the news of the day'.

She celebrated her 100th birthday this year, a milestone marked by tributes from Hollywood colleagues, space enthusiasts, and fans who felt they'd grown up in her TV living rooms.

Recognition that matched her talent

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Lockhart won a Tony Award in 1948 for Outstanding Performance by a Newcomer for her Broadway debut in For Love or Money.

Her contribution to both film and television was also honoured with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Yet, her most significant achievement was the way she connected with audiences across generations.

Her portrayals of warm, compassionate mothers endeared her to young viewers. Decades later, many fans flocked to nostalgia conventions to meet Lockhart and buy her autographed photos.

Her lasting impact on family television

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Interestingly, Lockhart insisted she was nothing like the women she portrayed. 'I can control my reputation, but not my image, because my image is how you see me,' she shared in an interview.

She had a particular fondness for Lost in Space, which she considered her favourite role, telling a magazine in 2024: 'It was so campy, and I truly enjoyed my relationship with my space family'.

What happened to the cast of Lost in Space over the years? Watch here:

For those who grew up watching her navigate family crises with wisdom and warmth, June Lockhart wasn't just playing a role—she was showing us what good parenting could look like.

At a time when television was finding its voice as a medium for family entertainment, she helped define what that meant.

Whether she was guiding Timmy and Lassie through rural adventures or leading the Robinson family through space, she brought the same steady presence that made millions feel safe in uncertain times.

What's your favourite memory of June Lockhart's performances? Did you grow up watching Lassie or Lost in Space with your family? Share your thoughts about this remarkable woman's impact on television history in the comments.

Our hearts go out to June Lockhart and her family during this time. May she rest in peace.