Hundreds of people filled Beverly Canon Gardens on Thursday evening, June 25 to honor actress June Lockhart on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Gary Greene, Esq. and His Big|Brave Band of Barristers played the classic songs from the big band era as members of the audience sang and danced. Beverly Hills City Councilmember Nancy Krasne presented Lockhart with a proclamation and noted that Lockhart resided in Beverly Hills for more than two Decades from the 1940s to the mid 1960s. Krasne said, "This proclamation is to recognize the 90th birthday of June Lockhart, an entertainment industry icon." Scroll down for photos from the event!
Composer Richard Sherman (Mary Poppins, It's A Small World and dozens of Disney classics) was on hand to wish June a Happy 90th. Actress Marta Kristen who played Lockhart's daughter in the television series Lost in Space came for the festivities.
Greene and his Big|Brave Band of Barristers played a new arrangement of The World is Waiting for the Sunrise, a piece composed by Lockhart's father, Gene Lockhart. Greene said, "My band and I were thrilled to perform for June's 90th birthday in a magical setting before such a large and loving audience. June is an amazing woman who touches the lives of millions of people of all ages. It was an evening we will all treasure."
Greene, who MC'd the program, told the audience about the new award his Los Angeles Lawyers Philharmonic (the big band's umbrella organization) presented to Lockhart at Walt Disney Concert Hall on June 13. The new award joins the Tony, Emmy, Oscar and Grammy, and is called the "Junie." Greene said, "This annual award will be presented to an individual like June who has made significant contributions for the betterment of our world." And the first recipient of the crystal and marble statue that bears an image of the actress was the actress herself.
Photo Credit: Sheri Determan
June Lockhart with California State Controller Betty Yee.
June Lockhart introduces Gary Greene, Esq. and His Big|Brave Band of Barristers.
Toni Williams and June's TV daughter, Marta Kristen (Lost In Space) with June Lockhart.
June Lockhart receives birthday cake from conductor Gary Greene (left), and two-time Oscar-winning composer Richard Sherman (right).
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