June Lockhart’s Bold Romance and Legacy Revealed After Passing

June Lockhart, the celebrated actress known for her iconic roles in television series such as Lassie, Lost in Space, and Petticoat Junction, passed away of natural causes on October 23, 2025, at her home in Santa Monica. She was 100 years old, with her family confirming the news through a spokesperson. While tributes have poured in, highlighting her impressive career and wholesome image, a lesser-known aspect of her life is coming to light, revealing a woman who embraced love and independence beyond what her screen persona suggested.

A Relationship That Defied Hollywood Norms

In the early 1970s, at the age of 47, Lockhart began a relationship with Bob Corff, a young actor who was just 21 at the time. Their romance sparked after Lockhart wrote him a fan letter following his performance in the musical Hair. This unexpected connection evolved rapidly, leading to a relationship that lasted over five years. Lockhart expressed her joy in the relationship, stating, “It is amazing. So many women are having the same delightful good fortune that I am—to be loved by a young person.”

Her daughters, Anne and June Elizabeth, openly supported their mother’s choice. Anne humorously remarked, “Don’t hog him, mother!” Lockhart noted that the dynamic was beneficial for everyone involved, as her daughters sought her guidance, while Bob provided a youthful perspective. “He is an old soul, older than me,” she remarked.

Living Life on Her Own Terms

Despite her reputation as a reserved matriarch on screen, Lockhart’s beliefs about personal liberation were strikingly progressive. In an interview, she declared, “I have always been liberated. I have always been encouraged to explore, take risks, and to dare. When you dare, you are alive!” The couple shared a life filled with travel and adventure, openly discussing their decision not to marry. Lockhart reflected on their relationship’s longevity, saying, “Frankly, we don’t expect this to go on until I am in my 80s, but when I say that, Bob sometimes asks, ‘Why not?’”

The public response was largely positive, with Lockhart receiving only three hate letters compared to numerous supportive messages from women in similar situations. “It’s kind of touching,” she noted. “Usually, people only write to knock you.”

Lockhart also played a significant role in Corff’s career. When he was cast as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Lockhart helped him prepare for the role by connecting him with a Paulist priest and sharing insights about Catholic tradition. “He worked with me for hours,” Corff recalled, acknowledging that his background as a Jew left him with limited knowledge about Jesus Christ.

Although their relationship did not continue into Lockhart’s later years, she cherished the time they spent together. “The young man and I had a glorious relationship,” she said. “We were together for about five and a half years, and I wouldn’t take anything in the world for that experience.”

Lockhart’s life extended well beyond her professional achievements. Born in New York City in 1925 to actors Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, her career spanned over eight decades. She won a Tony Award at the age of 22 and starred in classic films such as A Christmas Carol and Meet Me in St. Louis. However, her off-screen life was characterized by bold choices and a commitment to living authentically.

Reflecting on her identity, Lockhart famously stated, “Acting is what I do. It’s not what I am.” Given her personal choices and the legacy she leaves behind, those words resonate more profoundly than ever. As tributes continue to honor her contributions to film and television, Lockhart’s story serves as a reminder of the complex and vibrant life she led, one that inspires future generations to embrace love and authenticity.