June Lockhart dead: Lassie star dies aged 100 as heartbroken family pay tribute

Hollywood actress June Lockhart, who is best known for her roles in Lassie, Lost in Space, and Petticoat Junction, died of natural causes at her home in Santa Monica, California, on Thursday, said a family spokesperson. The statement confirmed that June's daughter, June Elizabeth, and granddaughter, Christianna, were by her side. In an emotional tribute, June penned: "Mommy always considered acting her craft, but her true passions were journalism, politics, science, and NASA.

"She cherished her role in 'Lost in Space' and was delighted to know she inspired many future astronauts," she added. June's incredible work in the film and TV industry spanned an awe-inspiring nine decades, as she was credited for bridging the gap between the golden age of Hollywood and modern television.

Born in 1925's New York, June made her stage debut at just eight years old in the 1933 production of Peter Ibbetson and soon after she appeared on screen at 13 in MGM's A Christmas Carol, alongside her famous parents, playwright Gene and actress Kathleen Lockhart.

By 19, she was a contract player at MGM and starred in classics such as Meet Me in St. Louis, All This and Heaven Too, and Sergeant York.

This early stardom and success carried her into Broadway, where she won the first-ever Tony Award for Best Newcomer in 1947 for For Love or Money

Throughout her stellar career, June earned two Emmy nominations and remains one of the few actresses to hold two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Away from acting, June became an unofficial ambassador for NASA as she regularly attended launches and celebrations alongside celebrated figures such as astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

In 2013, NASA honoured her with its Exceptional Public Achievement Medal, one of her proudest achievements.

The actress was also a lifelong advocate for animal rights. She supported the Santa Monica Mounted Police Horses and served as a national spokesperson for International Hearing Dog Inc.

Among the tributes, family friend Lyle Gregory reflected on June's legacy and said: "Now, the woman who loved to fly has embarked on her last adventure. We will miss this truly remarkable woman, mom, and grandmama - and we feel lucky to have been part of her journey."

A private service has been planned in her honour. In lieu of flowers, June's family has asked for donations to The Actors Fund, ProPublica and International Hearing Dog, Inc.