Who’s Still Alive From the Classic Series ‘Lassie’ and Where You Can Find the Show?
Few TV dogs have captured hearts the way Lassie did. The beloved collie headlined the long-running series from 1954 through 1973, with many cast changes, only two of its stars are still with us. For nearly two decades, families tuned in to watch the faithful dog save children from wells and guide people out of danger. What many don’t realize is that the character was inspired by a real dog from World War II, whose story first appeared in a short story, then a novel, movies, a radio series, and finally, the hit TV show.
The cast of Lassie changed several times across its 19-year run, but each version of the show left a lasting impression. Early episodes featured Ellen Miller (Jan Clayton), her young son Jeff (Tommy Rettig), and grandfather George “Gramps” Miller (George Cleveland). By 1957, Jon Provost joined as Timmy, with Cloris Leachman and Jon Shepodd briefly playing his foster parents. Many fans, though, remember the later seasons with June Lockhart and Hugh Reilly as Timmy’s long-term guardians. Which cast members of Lassie are still alive, and where are they now?
Jon Provost (75)
Timmy Martin
Everett Collection; Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Provost played Timmy, Lassie’s most popular best friend. Born on March 12, 1950, he began acting at the age of two. While Provost mainly quit acting when he got older — his most recent role is in a 2013 film called Susie’s Hope — he looks back on his acting career fondly, according to Parade Magazine, and calls them the best home movies he could ever ask for. He has been married to his wife, Laurie Jacobson, with whom he has two children, since 1999. Jacobson is an author, so they often collaborate on projects together, such as Provost’s 2007 memoir, Timmy’s in the Well: The Jon Provost Story. He continues to attend conventions to pay tribute to his most famous role.
June Lockhart (100)
Ruth Martin
Everett Collection; Araya Diaz/Getty Images
Lockhart may not have been Timmy’s original mother, but she is the one that most people remember best. Born on June 25, 1925, Lockhart also made her career debut as a child. After starring in Lassie, she went on to play Dr. Maureen Robinson in Lost in Space, as well as another doctor, Dr. Janet Craig, on Petticoat Junction, She continued to work, guest starring in sitcoms and appearing as Maria on General Hospital.
In 2021, she voiced June, aka the Voice of Alpha Control in the Lost in Space reboot. She recently turned 100 years old and enjoying a well-deserved retirement shares PEOPLE. She has been married twice and has two children, with her daughter Anne following in her footsteps with an acting career.
Now, let’s pay tribute to some of the stars that we lost too soon from Lassie.
In Memoriam
Joey D. Vieira (Porky)
Vieira recently passed away on April 7, 2025 at the age of 80, in hospice care — just a day before his birthday.
Jan Clayton (Ellen Miller)
Clayton passed away on August 28, 1983 from cancer. She was 66 years old.
Tommy Rettig (Jeff Miller)
Rettig passed away on February 15, 1996 from heart failure. He was 54 years old.
Jon Shepodd (Paul Martin)
He passed away on August 16, 2017 at age 89. His cause of death is unknown.
Cloris Leachman (Ruth Martin)
She passed away on January 27, 2021 of a stroke. She was 94 years old.
Hugh Reilly (Paul Martin)
He passed away on July 17, 1998 of emphysema. He was 82 years old.
Where to watch Lassie
Unfortunately, Lassie is not currently available on any streaming services or cable television networks.
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September 2020
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