June Lockhart is beloved for her roles as iconic TV moms, but her career, which spans nine decades, includes much more. She starred on “Lassie” from 1958 to 1964 as Ruth Martin, Timmy’s mother (played by Jon Provost), who was Lassie’s companion.
From 1965 to 1968, she played Dr. Maureen Robinson, the family matriarch on “Lost in Space.” Lockhart’s career has continued with many other projects, and she’s also a mother and grandmother.
Extensive Television Career
Beyond “Lassie” and “Lost in Space,” Lockhart appeared in series like “Bewitched,” “Petticoat Junction,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “Step by Step,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
She also appeared in nearly 40 episodes of “General Hospital.” Her more recent work includes a 2006 episode of “Grey’s Anatomy,” the TV movie “Holiday in Handcuffs” (2006), and the 2016 film “The Remake.”
Stage Success and NASA Involvement
Lockhart has also made her mark on stage, receiving the Tony Award for Outstanding Performance by a Newcomer in 1948 for “For Love or Money.”
Her interest in space exploration is personal as well as professional. A longtime NASA supporter, she was honored with the Exceptional Public Achievement Medal in 2013 for her work with the agency.
Lockhart has been involved with NASA since the 1970s, attending space shuttle launches, addressing employees, and promoting the agency.
Personal Life and Family Traditions
Lockhart has been married twice. She was married to John F. Maloney from 1951 to 1959, and they had two children, June Elizabeth and Anne Lockhart, who is also an actor. She married John Lindsay in 1959, and they divorced in 1970.
Living Across from a Cemetery, I Saw a Baby Left by One of the Graves on Halloween Night — Story of the Day
On Halloween night, I thought I’d just be handing out candy, but I saw something I never expected—a baby, alone in a car seat by a grave. I rushed outside, heart racing.
Halloween had always been my favorite. I loved decorating and handing out candy. But two years ago, I lost my daughter, and with her, my husband. Now, I was alone.
That night, after the candy ran out, I saw the car seat. I approached it, finding a baby girl inside. There was a note: “Amanda, one and a half years old.” I called the police, but no one had reported her missing. I asked if I could take her home. They agreed.
Caring for Amanda was hard, but I fell in love with her. She filled the void in my life. Then, one morning, a knock on the door brought a police officer and Amanda’s grandmother, Carol, to take her back. Reluctantly, I handed Amanda over, my heart breaking.
Later, I realized Carol had abandoned Amanda. I called my ex-husband, John, for help. We took Carol to court and won custody. I was granted permission to adopt Amanda.
As John walked away after the trial, I called him back, asking him to join us for dinner. That night, I became a mother again, and hope returned. Halloween had brought me Amanda.
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