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June Lockhart, ‘General Hospital’ Alum and ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost In Space’ Star Dies at 100

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: JPI

Hollywood has lost another legendary star and so too has the General Hospital family. June Lockhart, the iconic actress of the stage and the screen, passed away on Thursday, October 23rd at her home in Santa Monica, California with her daughter and granddaughter by her side. She was 100-years old.

Lockhart is best known to TV audiences of the 1950s, 60s and 70s as the gentle, soft-voiced loving mother, Ruth Martin, in Lassie and later as the new world as space mom, Maureen Robinson, in Lost in Space, as well as Dr. Janet Craig in the series Petticoat Junction. June appeared in numerous episodic series throughout her career, and contributed her voice to her favorite animated series Ren & Stimpy for Nickelodeon.

In 1984, after a conversation with then legendary General Hospital executive producer, Gloria Monty, June was cast in the role of Felicia Cummings (Kristina Wagner) grandmother, Mariah Ramirez; a part she played on and off through 2000. In 2003, Mac Scorpio (John J. York) revealed to Maxie (Kirsten Storms), that Mariah had died, when the writers killed-off the character off-screen.

Photo: JPI

Mariah’s legacy lives on through her granddaughter, Maxie, whose real full name is Mariah Maximilliana Jones. Felicia named her after her grandmother and grandfather, Maxmillian.

Back in June of this year, Wagner took to X to wish her former on-screen grandma, a happy birthday when she turned 100 on June 25. Kristina expressed, “Happy 100th Birthday, June Lockhart! Amazing from the moment I met her 40 years ago.”

Courtesy/ABC

Many may not know, but June is actually a Tony Award-winner having won the Best Newcomer medallion in 1948 for her performance in 1947’s, For Love or Money. June’s award was donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 2008, for display in their museum’s permanent entertainment archives.

Throughout her life, Lockhart was involved in many important causes, most importantly NASA and sending astronauts to outer space and she was a tireless defender of animal rights.

Photo: Courtesy/HBollPR

In 2013 at a ceremony at JPL in Pasadena, NASA honored June Lockhart’s’ impact on space exploration by awarding her the “Exceptional Public Achievement Medal.” The award is given to non-government individuals who have made significant public contributions to NASA throughout their career. More than any other honor, this was the most meaningful for her. For her animal advocacy, June supported the Santa Monica Mounted Police Horses and was the National Spokesperson for International Hearing Dog Inc. Her heart belonged to her grand-Pug Massimo.

Family spokesperson, Lyle Gregory, said of Lockhart, “Now, the woman who loved to fly, has embarked on her last adventure. With our hearts full of love and pride in her accomplishments, we will miss this truly remarkable woman, mom and grandmama. We reflect on her life, and we feel lucky to have been part of her journey.”

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the following organizations that were close to Lockhart: The Actors Fund, ProPublica and International Hearing Dog, Inc.

Share your condolences and remembrances of June Lockhart via the comment section below.

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I had the pleasure of briefly speaking with June at an autograph event 10 years ago. She spoke fondly of her time on GH.

According to news reports, her parents were both actors who met at an event thrown by Thomas Edison. Her father, Gene was an Oscar nominee. In her younger years, June appeared in films with Bette Davis and Judy Garland.

RIP June – an amazing run at 100!

A class act. RIP June. You will be missed.

What a wonderful performer she was. I loved her as Ruth on Lassie and was so upset when she left the show. She had such a long and varied career. I remember her in so many films and TV shows. She was always such a classy lady. I was thrilled when she showed up on GH. Deepest sympathy to her family. May she rest in peace.

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‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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