Jay North, best known for his role as the playful troublemaker with the distinctive blond hairstyle in the classic CBS comedy “Dennis the Menace” from 1959 to 1963, has passed away at 73.
He died on Sunday at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, after a long struggle with colon cancer, said Laurie Jacobson.
The news was confirmed by family friend Laurie Jacobson in a heartfelt Facebook post. “Jeanne Russell shared some unfortunate news, but not unexpected news. Our dear friend Jay North has been fighting cancer for several years and this morning at noon EST, passed away peacefully at home, “wrote Laurie Jacobson in a Facebook post.
She continued, “Many of his fans know he faced some tough times in Hollywood and afterward, but he never let those struggles define who he was. He had an enormous heart, loved his friends deeply, and would often call us. He always ended our conversations with, ‘I love you with all my heart.’ We loved him just as much. Jay was a lifelong friend of Jon’s, like a brother to Jeanne, and a dear friend to me, and we will miss him greatly. He is no longer in pain, and his suffering is finally over. Now, he is at peace.”
Jay Waverly North Jr. (August 3, 1951 – April 6, 2025) was a beloved American actor who found fame as a child star. His career began in the late 1950s with roles in eight TV series, two variety shows, and three feature films. At age 7, one of his most memorable roles was as the mischievous Dennis Mitchell in the popular CBS sitcom “Dennis the Menace” (1959–1963), which brought smiles to many viewers and made him a household name.
Later, North appeared on TV in shows, including guest roles in The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Lucy Show, Lassie, General Hospital, The Simpsons, and more. He also appeared in films such as Zebra in the Kitchen (1965), Maya (1966), The Teacher (1974), and Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003).