We pause to acknowledge the recent passing of actress June Lockhart. Many may recall her visits to Florence as the Grand Marshal of the 1985 and 1986 Rhododendron Parades. A portion of one episode from the Lassie show had been filmed in Florence, and the town was honored to have her participate in both parades. Some described her as ‘down to earth’, and during one of her visits she and her daughter Anne, also an actress (Battlestar Galactica, 1979) played pool in Old Town at the Wharf, and mingled with folks there.
On a lucky day for three-year old Aric Sneddon, he met Ms. Lockhart as she prepared to depart Florence. She picked him up, gave him a kiss and promised when he grew up, she’d return so they could get married.
Ms. Lockhart made her film debut at age 8 in 1938 with her father Gene, in the Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol. She went on to become one of television’s most respected stars while supporting programs that promoted children’s health and animal care. In 2013 she was the first actress to be honored by NASA with the Exceptional Public Achievement Medal for inspiring families and children to develop and maintain an interest in science and space.
June Lockhart may forever remain in the hearts of the Florence community for her portrayal of the mother figure in the television series Lassie (6 seasons) and Lost in Space (3 seasons). Though the Lassie series ended in 1964, Ms. Lockhart was said to have acknowledged the final episode by concluding: “it’s all over, but the residuals linger on”. She continued acting in many roles, including Perry Mason, Quincy, Petticoat Junction, The Man from U.N.C.L.E, commercials, and for a time, was a freelance anchor for a station in Los Angeles.