Honorary Astronaut & 'Lost In Space' Mom June Lockhart Stays Stunning As She Nears 100

Jul 01, 2022 by apost team

Actress June Lockhart is best remembered for her character Dr. Maureen Robinson in "Lost In Space." The 1960s sci-fi series followed the Robinson family as they explored outer space-- a storyline light-years ahead of its time when compared to modern Marvel Cinematic Universe works and audiences. 

Like Dr. Robinson, Lockhart was the maternal backbone of the ship, providing amongst other things, a voice of compassion to the show. The actress became a fast favorite aboard the Jupiter 2, and to this day, her portrayal is considered one of her most iconic roles. 

In addition to "Lost in Space," Lockhart also garnered widespread recognition for her part in "Lassie" as well as "Petticoat Junction," receiving two Emmy nominations. However, throughout her decades-long career, Lockhart remains — and will always be — America’s favorite space mom.

Before exploring the stars, Lockhart enjoyed a long career on both stage and screen. Her memorable performances earned the actress not one but two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Both were dedicated in 1960, during the height of Lockhart's popularity. She also earned a Special Tony Award for Outstanding Performance by a Newcomer for "For Love or Money" in 1948.

Already a decorated actress, Lockhart was additionally recognized outside of Hollywood by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for her work promoting space exploration. For this, NASA awarded Lockhart the Exceptional Public Achievement Medal in 2013. 

Not ready to hang up her spacesuit, Lockhart returned to the stars for the 2021 reboot of "Lost in Space," starring as June, the Voice of Alpha Control. 

Before she was bravely going where no Robinson had gone before, Lockhart began her career in smaller productions. Taking a page from her parents' book - both of whom were actors themselves- an eight-year-old Lockhart starred in a stage production of Peter Ibbetson. A few years later, preteen Lockhart acted in "A Christmas Carol," playing the part of Belinda Cratchit. She then went on to play supporting parts in "Meet Me in St. Louis," "Sergeant York," "All This, and Heaven Too," "The Yearling" as well as "She-Wolf of London."

Although clearly talented, Lockhart remained to some extent in the shadow of her parents — Gene and Kathleen Lockhart — but her role in "For Love or Money," finally brought her into her own spotlight. she was described by one reporter as having "burst on Broadway with the suddenness of an unpredicted comet." Lockhart, who was referenced as "merely the twenty-two-year old daughter" of her already accomplished parents, wow-ed critics. One emphatically wrote, "she has started her career at the top." 

Lockhart went on to play an equally memorable role on "Lassie." The series followed the Martin Family and their dog, Lassie. Lockhart played Ruth Martin, the adoptive mother of young Timmy Martin, a foster child who bonds with the iconic collie dog. She replaced Cloris Leachman, who was originally cast in the role. Her portrayal garnered Lockhart one of her Emmy nominations in 1959 for "Best Actress in a Leading Role." Lassie's stint with the Martin's lasted from 1958 until 1964, forming a noteworthy chunk of Lockhart's career.

apost.com

The success and length of "Lassie," undoubtedly helped further launch Lockhart’s career. It propelled her toward stardom and yet another iconic on-screen mother-- Dr. Maureen Robinson. 

For her "Lost in Space" role, Lockhart left the rural scenes of her previous role, swapping in the futuristic sets of outer space. Aboard a saucer-shaped spacecraft, Lockhart acted as both biochemist and mother. Much like modern-day astronauts, the Robinsons were tasked with exploring other planets. The pilot finds the crew- which is comprised of Robinson's family and colleagues- preparing to launch for a 5.5-year journey, heading towards an Earth-like planet which orbits the distant star Alpha Centauri. 

The concept, the costumes, and even to some extent, the cast -- which featured a nameless Robot which possessed super strength -- were all groundbreaking gambles in the 1960s. With only "Star Trek," which originally launched in 1966, as a contemporary, the series was truly exploring uncharted territory with its otherworldly plotlines. However, Lockhart took the blank canvas of futuristic space colonists and made a memorable series out among the planets. 

The maternal instincts she displayed as Dr. Robinson actually translated off-screen as well as on. Billy Mumy, who played the precocious, youngest Robinson, Will, recalled the comfort and calm he drew from the actress during their time on set together. "She kept our minds occupied, which was a gift,” Mumy told reporters. “She didn’t have to do that. She didn’t have to spend one second paying attention to me and Angela Cartwright (who plays Lockhart’s daughter). Every time they said cut, she could have easily gone to her trailer. Nobody would’ve thought that was weird (...) She spent a lot of time nurturing Angela’s and my developing thought processes. Teaching us.”

After orbiting the stars for 83 episodes, Lockhart went on to star in countless other series, namely the soap General Hospital during the 1980s and 1990s. Semi-retired now, she continues making appearances on-screen and inspiring the public about space. 

In guest-starring in the 2021 "Lost in Space" reboot, Lockhart found herself in familiar company. She was joined by both Bill Mumy and Angela Cartwright, who had appeared in the original series as her then-young children. Additionally, a new main character June Harris, played by Parker Posey, was named after Lockhart, proving the impact she had on the staying power of the series.

While she's not piloting spacecrafts anymore, Lockhart, who turned 97 in 2022, is still inspiring the next generation of sci-fi lovers and space enthusiasts. During a 2013 interview, Lockhart commented on the impression she left on her young viewers back in the 1960s, saying, “I have so many friends among the astronaut group saying that watching ‘Lost in Space’ when they were little boys made them know what they wanted to do. it’s astonishing that it inspired so many people, but it’s lovely to know that."

One such friend is astronaut William "Bill" McArthur. As a thank-you of sorts, McArthur was sent "a big poster of (Lockhart) in 'Lost in Space.'" Lockhart then recalled receiving a video call from the space station and seeing McArthur "floating...indicating something over his right shoulder. Well the poster was on the wall." Remember the moment, Lockhart said, "Isn't that divine?"

What was your favorite "Lost in Space" moment? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family, and fellow June Lockhart fans!