“From Space Mom to NASA Superstar: The Surprising Journey of June Lockhart”

LOST IN SPACE actress June Lockhart was highly selective about the roles she chose to take on throughout her career.

“Lockhart expressed gratitude that many still recognize her as their favorite TV mom. Though she had a bit of a rebellious side on set, she has always been proud of her wholesome image,” Familyguide noted. “She never felt inclined to pursue sultry roles in Hollywood, nor did she ever feel pressure to conform to certain appearance standards over the years.”

“Those types of parts weren’t offered to me,” she stated. “And I’ve always been mindful of my diet…when you’re wearing a silver spacesuit, you really need to stay in shape.”

The roles that most appealed to Lockhart were “the matriarch Maureen in LOST IN SPACE and Ruth, Timmy’s mother, in the original LASSIE series.”

“The concept of the series [intrigued me],” the now 99-year-old actress shared about LOST IN SPACE.

“It explored the family dynamics of a stranded group of scientists and two children, and how they managed to survive,” she elaborated. “It was essentially ‘Space Family Robinson,’ a play on ‘Swiss Family Robinson.’…Each of my co-stars was a consummate professional. The set was filled with joy, laughter, and genuine affection among us all.”

Her involvement with the show eventually led to her supporting NASA. In 2013, she was awarded the Exceptional Public Achievement Medal for her contributions to the agency.

“I’ve attended two space shuttle launches and have been collaborating with NASA since the 1970s, addressing their staff and traveling on behalf of the agency to promote their work. So this recognition is absolutely thrilling to me. No other actress has received this honor,” she remarked at the time.

While striving to portray a convincing parental figure, Lockhart sometimes found it challenging to keep a straight face.

“Some of the LOST IN SPACE episodes were so outlandish that it was difficult not to burst into laughter,” Lockhart admitted. “And on LASSIE, the only thing I ever actually cooked was a pot of water, but I made sure my stirring technique looked very convincing!”

Over the years, Lockhart has maintained connections with her TV children.

“I keep in touch with Bill Mumy, Angela Cartwright, Marta Kristen, and of course, Jon Provost from LASSIE,” Lockhart shared. “They’ve all grown into such accomplished individuals, and I hold them in great affection.”

Now in her golden years, she’s embracing life, stating, “I don’t waste time dwelling on things beyond my control. Everything is constantly changing. Just wait a moment, and things tend to work themselves out.”