June Lockhart was a television icon in the 1960s thanks to her roles on the classic shows
Lassie, Lost in Space, and Petticoat Junction.
Today, June is 97 years old, though her legacy continues to grow.
Join Facts Verse as we explore how she was a TV icon in the 60s, see her now at 97.
Early Life June Lockhart is a talented American actress
who gained widespread recognition and admiration for her impressive acting abilities.
She was born on June 25th, 1925, in New York City, making her a Cancer.
Her parents were also involved in the entertainment industry, so it's no surprise that she would
follow in their footsteps.
June Lockhart's parents were both actors.
Her mother, Kathleen Lockhart, appeared in over 100 films throughout her career, while
her father, Gene Lockhart, was also a prolific actor who appeared in numerous films and TV
shows.
Kathleen Lockhart appeared in films such as Meet John Doe, Algiers, and Anchors Aweigh.
Gene Lockhart starred in films like Miracle on 34th Street, His Girl Friday, and Algiers.
They were both highly respected actors in their time.
June Lockhart began her acting career at a young age, performing in various theater productions.
During her early life, she attended different schools and studied various subjects, including
dramatics, languages, and piano.
Some of the schools she attended include the Westlake School for Girls in Los Angeles,
the Ethel Walker School in Connecticut, and the Bedford Village School in New York.
These experiences helped shape her into the brilliant performer that she would become.
Lockhart's talent and captivating presence did not go unnoticed, and soon enough, she
caught the attention of Hollywood producers.
She made her film debut in 1938 with A Christmas Carol, and her TV debut came in 1949 in an
episode of The Ford Theatre Hour.
Her big break came in the 1950s, when she landed the role of Ruth Martin in the hit
TV show Lassie.
She became an instant fan favorite and went on to appear in over 200 episodes of the show.
Lassie is a television series that aired in 1973.
It revolves around the adventures of a collie dog named Lassie and her interactions with
humans who she helps in times of need.
June Lockhart played the role of Ruth Martin, the mother figure in the show's family, until
1964.
The show was very popular and won multiple awards, including two Emmy Awards for Outstanding
Performance in a Continuing Drama Series.
It was also adapted into movies and other spin-off shows over the years.
Funny Stories from June’s Time on Lassie There are several interesting stories from
June’s time on the television series Lassie.
One interesting anecdote is that June Lockhart was actually afraid of dogs before she landed
the role on Lassie.
However, she quickly overcame her fear and developed a strong bond with the collies that
played Lassie.
According to interviews with June Lockhart, the process of overcoming her fear of dogs
involved spending time with the collies that played Lassie both on and off set.
She also worked with the show's animal trainer to learn more about dog behavior and how to
handle them safely.
Additionally, she credits the calm and gentle demeanor of the collies as a key factor in
helping her overcome her fear.
Another funny anecdote involving June Lockhart and her time on Lassie is that during the
show's run, June Lockhart became a sex symbol and received numerous fan letters from male
admirers.
She even had to sign autographs as "Ruth Martin" to avoid breaking the illusion of her character.
June Lockhart handled being a sex symbol with grace and professionalism.
She appreciated the attention but also made sure to maintain a professional distance from
her fans.
She often signed autographs as "Ruth Martin" to avoid breaking the illusion of her character
and to separate herself from the more provocative roles she played outside of Lassie.
Overall, she was proud of the impact that Lassie had on her career and the positive
messages it conveyed about family and animal welfare.
June Joins Lost in Space In 1965, June Lockhart took on the role of
Maureen Robinson in another popular sci-fi series, Lost in Space.
Her character was the mother of a family that was lost in space, and she played a crucial
role in keeping them safe and getting them back home.
She was a key character throughout the series and was known for being a strong and capable
leader.
With her acting skills and charm, she quickly became a beloved character on the show.
The original Lost in Space series ran for three seasons, from 1965 to 1968.
Lockhart has spoken positively about her experience on the show, saying that she enjoyed working
with the talented cast and crew.
In addition to Lockhart, the series also featured notable performers such as Guy Williams, who
played John Robinson, and Jonathan Harris, who played the memorable villainous character
Dr. Zachary Smith.
Harris was particularly popular among fans and became one of the most beloved characters
on the show.
Her performance helped to create a compelling and relatable family dynamic that resonated
with audiences and contributed to the show's popularity.
Additionally, Lockhart's experience and reputation as an accomplished actress brought a level
of professionalism and credibility to the series that helped to elevate it above other
science fiction shows of the time.
June Found Even More Fame via Petticoat Junction Another notable show she starred in was Petticoat
Junction, a comedic series set in a small town.
Lockhart's character, Dr. Janet Craig, was a regular fixture on the show from 1968-70.
Petticoat Junction was a popular American sitcom that aired from 1963 to 1970.
The show was created by Paul Henning and produced by Filmways Inc.
It was broadcast on CBS network and became a highly rated and beloved show during its
time.
June Lockhart’s character of Dr. Janet Craig was a strong and independent woman who just
so happened to be the local doctor in the town of Hooterville.
She appeared in Seasons 5-7 of the show and brought a level of professionalism and credibility
to her role.
Lockhart enjoyed working on the show and was well-respected among other cast members.
Other performers on the show included Bea Benaderet, Edgar Buchanan, Linda Kaye Henning,
and Frank Cady.
The show lasted for 7 seasons and had a total of 222 episodes.
Today, it is remembered as a classic sitcom that helped to define the era of American
television in the 1960s.
Its legacy continues to live on, as it remains a beloved show among fans of classic TV comedy.
Over time, June has shared some funny stories from her time on Petticoat Junction.
Certainly!
One funny anecdote involves June Lockhart and her co-star Edgar Buchanan, who played
Uncle Joe on the show.
They had a running gag where they would often swap hats during scenes without breaking character.
The rest of the cast found this hilarious and would often have trouble keeping a straight
face during those moments.
Another anecdote involves a scene where Lockhart's character had to perform a medical procedure
on one of the farm animals.
During filming, the animal ended up urinating on Lockhart, causing everyone on set to burst
out laughing.
Despite the mishap, Lockhart continued to deliver her lines with grace and professionalism,
earning even more admiration from her colleagues.
June Appeared in Several Flms In addition to her TV work, she also appeared
in several films throughout her career, including Meet Me in St. Louis, and She-Wolf of London.
In Meet Me in St. Louis, June Lockhart played the role of Lucille Ballard, a member of the
privileged elite who tries to steal the affections of Esther Smith's love interest, John Truett.
Lockhart's performance in the film was widely praised, with critics praising her ability
to convey both charm and a sense of underlying malice.
The movie itself was a critical and commercial success and is now widely regarded as a classic
of the musical genre.
In She-Wolf of London, Lockhart played the lead role of Phyllis Allenby, a woman who
begins to suspect that she is transforming into a werewolf.
Despite the film's somewhat campy premise, Lockhart gave a nuanced and gripping performance,
earning praise for her ability to convey both terror and vulnerability.
While the film didn't perform as well at the box office as Meet Me in St. Louis, it has
since gained a cult following among fans of horror cinema.
There is no doubt that June took her craft very seriously and was committed to delivering
strong performances.
In interviews, she has spoken fondly of both projects, citing them as being important milestones
in her career.
What Is June Up To Today?
As of late, June Lockhart has been relatively quiet in the entertainment industry.
However, at the age of 97, she still remains active in various organizations and is a supporter
of animal rights and environmental causes.
Some of the organizations that she has worked with include the American Cancer Society,
the National Wildlife Federation, and the Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
She has also been involved with numerous animal welfare organizations, including the Morris
Animal Foundation and Wildlife Waystation.
Additionally, Lockhart served as the honorary chairperson for the Los Angeles County Zoo
Association for several years.
She's also still a beloved figure among her fans, who continue to follow her career and
celebrate her accomplishments.
June Lockhart started out as a child actor, playing innocent and precocious roles, but
as she grew older, she began to tackle more complex and nuanced characters.
Her work in Lassie and Petticoat Junction showcased her natural charm and charisma,
while Lost in Space allowed her to explore more dramatic and emotional territory.
As an elder stateswoman of Hollywood, June Lockhart is widely respected and admired by
her peers and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
She is praised for her talent, professionalism, and dedication to her craft, as well as her
kind and generous nature.
Many younger actors and actresses look up to her as a role model and mentor, and she
is often called upon to offer guidance and support to those starting out in the business.
June Lockhart is a talented actress whose talent has spanned across theater, film, and
television.
Now it’s time to hear from you: did you know that June Lockhart is still around and
that she’s 97 years old?
Comment down below!