Jay North, best known for his role as the mischievous Dennis on the television series Dennis the Menace, which began airing in 1959 and continued for four seasons, has passed away at the age of 73 in Lake Butler, Florida.
According to Laurie Jacobson, a close friend, and Bonnie Vent, his booking agent, North died on Sunday at his Lake Butler, Florida residence after a battle with colon cancer.
Jacobson shared a tribute on Facebook, saying that North had a huge heart, deeply loved his friends, frequently called them, and always ended their conversations with “I love you with all my heart.”
North was cast at age 6 to play the smiling troublemaker in the CBS sitcom based on Hank Ketcham’s popular comic strip, which was set in a typical American suburb.
Dennis, often seen in a striped shirt and overalls, frequently annoyed his retired neighbor George Wilson, played by Joseph Kearns, with his antics. Herbert Anderson and Gloria Henry portrayed Dennis’s understanding parents.
The show aired on Sunday evenings before its cancellation in 1963. Afterward, it remained popular for many years in syndication.
North later made appearances in TV shows such as The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Lucy Show, My Three Sons, Lassie, and The Simpsons, as well as films like Maya (1966), The Teacher (1974), and Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003).
He is survived by his third wife, Cindy, and three stepdaughters.
