Jay North, best known for his role as the mischievous, towheaded boy in the classic CBS sitcom “Dennis the Menace”, died Sunday at the age of 73 at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, following a battle with colon cancer, according to longtime friend Laurie Jacobson and his booking agent Bonnie Vent.
“He had a heart as big as a mountain and deeply loved his friends. He called us often and always ended with, ‘I love you with all my heart,’” Jacobson shared in a Facebook tribute.
North was just six years old when he was cast as Dennis Mitchell, the cheeky, lovable character based on Hank Ketcham’s popular comic strip, set in a picture-perfect American suburb.
With his signature striped shirt and overalls, Dennis often found himself unintentionally annoying his grumpy next-door neighbor, Mr. George Wilson, played by Joseph Kearns. His tolerant parents were portrayed by Herbert Anderson and Gloria Henry.
The series aired on Sunday nights until its cancellation in 1963 but remained a favorite in syndication for decades.
In the years that followed, North appeared in various television shows such as “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”, “The Lucy Show”, “My Three Sons”, “Lassie”, and even lent his voice to “The Simpsons.” His film credits include “Maya” (1966), “The Teacher” (1974), and “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star” (2003).
He is survived by his third wife, Cindy, and three stepdaughters.