Actor Gene Lockhart, father of actress June Lockhart of Lassie fame, died March 31, 1957. He was 65.

Lockhart was born July 18, 1891 in London, Ontario, Canada. Educated in Canadian and English schools, he became a Scottish dancer at age six. He later toured on the vaudeville circuit.

Lockhart became associated with George M. Cohan when the two met at the Theater Guild. A movie contract ensued.

With his jocular demeanor, Lockhart usually was cast in light-hearted, comedic roles. He appeared in over 100 movies in both the silent and sound genre.

His film debut was Smilin’ Through in 1922. He was the politically conscious judge in Miracle on 34th Street in 1947. His last movie was Jeanne Eagels in 1957.

Lockhart died of a heart attack in Santa Monica, California on March 31, 1957.