GH in Mourning: June Lockhart Dies at 100! Very Sad News for General Hospital Fans!
Farewell to a Legend: Remembering June Lockhart, General Hospital Alum and Beloved Television Matriarch, Who Passed Away at 100
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of one of its most enduring icons. General Hospital alum June Lockhart has passed away at the age of 100, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spanned film, television, and stage. Known to soap fans for her role as Maria Ramirez, the beloved grandmother of Felicia Cummings Scorpio (Kristina Wagner), Lockhart’s career was one of grace, longevity, and quiet trailblazing.
A Star Born Into the Spotlight
Born in New York City in 1925, June Lockhart was destined for the stage. Her parents, Gene Lockhart and Kathleen Arthur Lockhart, were accomplished actors in their own right, and their influence shaped June’s path from the very beginning. Interestingly, her parents first crossed paths when they joined a touring company assembled by Thomas Edison to promote his new inventions—proof that the Lockharts’ story was intertwined with both art and innovation.
June made her professional debut at age eight, appearing in Peter Ibbetson at the Metropolitan Opera. Looking back in a 2015 Soap Opera Digest interview, she recalled her father’s wise advice:
“When the opportunities to act presented themselves, my father said, ‘Just do it for the experience and learn the discipline of being on a set. When you grow up and you want to do it as a career, then fine.’ That really gave me a lovely perspective.”
At nine, the only child of Gene and Kathleen Lockhart moved with her family to the West Coast, where her father began working with MGM and Warner Brothers. Hollywood was then in its golden age, and June grew up in its heart. She later reminisced about those magical early days:
“On Saturdays, my friend and I would be dropped off on the boulevard and watch a movie. At the end of the day, we would be picked up at CC Brown’s Hot Fudge Sundae Emporium near Grauman’s Theater. I have so many great memories of living in and around Hollywood.”
From “A Christmas Carol” to MGM Stardom
June’s big-screen career began to blossom when she appeared in the 1938 classic A Christmas Carol, where her parents played the Cratchits. That performance led to more opportunities, including roles in All This, and Heaven Too—where she acted alongside Bette Davis—and the Oscar-winning Sergeant York starring Gary Cooper.
After high school, Lockhart signed a contract with MGM, one of the most prestigious studios in Hollywood history. Among her early projects was the beloved musical Meet Me in St. Louis, featuring Judy Garland. June fondly recalled the experience, admitting that Judy’s unpredictable schedule tested everyone’s patience—but her talent left them all awestruck:
“We would arrive early, get our makeup and costumes on, and then wait and wait—but Judy never showed up. The next day was the same. Eventually, she arrived, and she was amazing—hilarious, flawless, and knew every line. We were all just in awe of her.”
From Hollywood Films to Television Fame
As the television era dawned, Lockhart’s focus shifted from film to the small screen. For years she enjoyed guest roles before stepping into one of the defining parts of her career—Ruth Martin on Lassie. Initially, she declined the offer twice, choosing to remain in New York. But fate intervened in the most Hollywood of ways.
While stopped at a red light in Los Angeles during a difficult divorce, she found herself next to Lassie producer Bonita Granville and director Bob Golden, whom she had known since childhood. Bob called out, “I wish you would do Lassie!”.
Reflecting on that moment later, Lockhart said she reconsidered:
“Here’s a show with a loyal audience, complete sponsorship, and CBS’s full support. Why am I acting so high and mighty?”
With two children to care for, she called her agent, learned the terms, and accepted the offer. The decision would define the next chapter of her life.
June portrayed Ruth Martin for five successful years, bringing warmth, dignity, and depth to one of America’s most beloved TV families.
Lost in Space and Beyond the Stars
After Lassie, Lockhart took on another iconic role—Maureen Robinson in Lost in Space (1965–1968). Her portrayal of the intelligent and nurturing matriarch aboard the Jupiter 2 spacecraft made her a pop culture icon for a new generation.
Deeply passionate about space and aviation, Lockhart was proud of the show’s impact on real-life dreamers:
“Numerous astronauts have told me that watching Lost in Space as a child inspired them to pursue their dreams of what they wanted to do when they grew older.”
The show also broke barriers—it was one of the first television series to feature women in miniskirts, subtly pushing the boundaries of how femininity and science could coexist on screen.
June Lockhart’s Port Charles Chapter
In 1984, Lockhart brought her warmth and poise to General Hospital, joining the legendary Gloria Monty’s production as Maria Ramirez, the beloved grandmother of Felicia Cummings Scorpio (Kristina Wagner).
Though she was new to daytime drama, she quickly adapted, telling Digest:
“I had never acted in a soap opera, although I occasionally watched them. I came in, spoke with Gloria Monty, and that was it. I began working the following Friday—with many lines and no rehearsal!”
Lockhart’s time on General Hospital overlapped with her Lost in Space co-star Mark Goddard, who joined the show as Derek Barrington. The two hoped to share an inside joke about their sci-fi past.
“For Felicia and Frisco’s wedding, I really hoped Mark and I could pass each other, stop, turn around, and shake our heads like, ‘No, I must be mistaken.’ Gloria laughed but said, ‘You’re not going to do that.’ So I asked, ‘Can we dance together?’ and she said yes—so if you look closely, you can see us dancing in the background.”
June’s final appearance on General Hospital came in 2000, but her character’s legacy endured. Felicia’s daughter Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms) was given the full name Mariah Maximiliana Jones, honoring her grandmother Maria and grandfather Maxmillian.
Prime-Time and Later Career Highlights
Beyond daytime, June made appearances on several prime-time favorites. She played Mary Robson on Knots Landing (1985), Dr. Sylvia Haywood on Falcon Crest (1986), and Celia Martin, the grandmother of Tori Spelling’s Donna Martin, on Beverly Hills, 90210.
Her ability to bring elegance and emotional truth to every role kept her career vibrant across decades and genres—from classic cinema to modern television.
A Life Well Lived
As reported by People, June Lockhart passed away peacefully of natural causes, surrounded by her daughter Anne Lockhart and granddaughter Cristiana. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her work continues to shine across generations.
Her family shared a moving tribute:
“Farewell to a true love, June Lockhart—whose warmth and courage guided families on Earth and among the stars. She gave us comfort, hope, and the belief that even in the unknown, we could find our way home.”
Legacy and Impact
June Lockhart was more than an actress—she was a symbol of grace, strength, and continuity in American television. From the comforting mother figures of Lassie and Lost in Space to her dignified presence in Port Charles, she embodied warmth and quiet resilience.
Her life and career reflected a deep respect for storytelling, a love of family, and a pioneering spirit that resonated with audiences for nearly a century.
As General Hospital fans and Hollywood peers alike mourn her passing, they also celebrate a woman whose legacy—like the characters she played—will continue to inspire.
Rest in peace, June Lockhart (1925–2025). Your light will forever shine among the stars.
