The 99-Year-Old Life and Career of June Lockhart ('Lassie', 'Lost in Space', 'Petticoat Junction')

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Her parents were acting legends, and she became one, too, on the big screen and small. She is best known for her roles on three classic TV shows: Lassie, Lost in Space, and Petticoat Junction. But she's made countless appearances on television, in movies, and on the stage. Her name is June Lockhart, and on June 25, 2024, she turned 99 years old. This is her story.

A Closer Look

Born the daughter of screen stars Gene Lockhart and Kathleen Lockhart, June Lockhart went on to make a mark of her own in Hollywood.

Lockhart began her acting career at a young age with her debut in the 1938 adaptation of A Christmas Carol, the Charles Dickens classic in which her parents starred.

Several minor movie performances followed before June Lockhart was cast as a lead in She-Wolf of London, which was a hit. However, Lockhart switched to theatre and television early in her career.

In 1948, Lockhart performed on Broadway in the Harry Ellerbe play For Love or Money and won a Tony award for her performance.

A few years later, in 1954, the actress replaced Cloris Leachman as Ruth Martin on Lassie, at the beginning of that show's fifth year (Leachman was unhappy with her role).

Lockhart's other famous TV roles included her portrayal of Dr. Janet Craig in Petticoat Junction (this time replacing Bea Benederet's matriarchal role on that series) and Dr. Maureen Robinson in the original adaptation of the sci-fi cult classic Lost in Space.

Conclusion

June Lockhart's continued long life has granted her a remarkable and prolific career that has thus far totaled nearly 70 television shows and more than 20 motion pictures. In addition to her Broadway Tony, and for her lauded contributions to movies and TV, the actress has been awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In the process, she has amassed a legion of loyal fans from around the world.