Jay North, the former child actor best known for his role as Dennis Mitchell on the classic CBS television series Dennis the Menace, has passed away at the age of 73. His death was confirmed by longtime friend, producer, and writer Laurie Jacobson, who shared the news publicly.
According to Jacobson, North died peacefully at his home around noon Eastern Time after a long battle with cancer. The news was first relayed to her by Jeanne Russell, who portrayed Margaret Wade on the beloved sitcom and remained close to North over the years.
North rose to fame as a child star between 1959 and 1963, captivating audiences with his energetic and mischievous portrayal of the troublemaking but good-hearted Dennis. The series became one of the most recognizable family sitcoms of early American television and cemented North’s place in TV history during its four-season run.
While his early success brought widespread fame, North later spoke openly about the challenges he faced growing up in Hollywood. Despite those struggles, he remained grateful for the continued support and affection from fans who remembered him fondly decades after the show ended.
Jay North’s portrayal of Dennis Mitchell left a lasting impact on generations of viewers and remains a defining part of classic American television. His legacy endures through the laughter and memories he brought to millions of households.