Jay North, best known for his role as Dennis Mitchell on the iconic ’60s sitcom Dennis the Menace, passed away on Sunday at the age of 73, Fox News Digital confirmed. He died at home in Lake Butler, Florida, after a prolonged battle with colon cancer. The news was shared by his close friends, including Lassie actor Jon Provost and his wife Laurie Jacobson, through a social media post.
North gained fame for portraying the mischievous Dennis, who often caused trouble for his neighbor, George Wilson. Jacobson expressed her sorrow, stating that North had fought cancer for several years and passed away peacefully at noon on April 6. She reflected on his resilience, saying he never let Hollywood’s difficulties define him and that he had a “heart as big as a mountain.” She added, “He loved his friends deeply, and we loved him in return.”
Provost, who had known North for nearly 70 years, also shared his grief, writing, “Jay was a great guy, and I miss him with all my heart, but I know he’s at peace now.”
North’s portrayal of Dennis was based on the Dennis the Menace comic strip by Hank Ketcham. The show ran from October 1959 until its cancellation in 1963 after 146 episodes. In addition to his acting career, North was known for his voice work, lending his talents to shows like Here Comes the Grump, Arabian Knights, The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show, and The Simpsons. His final film appearance was in the 2003 comedy Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star.
North was open about the hardships he faced as a child actor, including physical abuse by his aunt, who was also involved in his career. He recounted painful experiences of being mistreated on set, describing how his aunt would slap or verbally berate him after scenes, making his childhood a “living hell.”
He is survived by his wife, Cindy Hackney.
