LAKE BUTLER, Fla. — Jay North, who gained fame as the mischievous blonde protagonist of the television show “Dennis the Menace,” has passed away at the age of 73. North succumbed to colon cancer on Sunday at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, as confirmed by Laurie Jacobson, a longtime friend, and his booking agent, Bonnie Vent.
Jacobson expressed her heartfelt memories of North, highlighting his immense kindness and affection for his friends. She shared that North had a generous spirit and would often express his love by ending conversations with warm sentiments, “I love you with all my heart,” as she noted in a touching tribute on Facebook.
At the tender age of 6, North was chosen to play the beaming young troublemaker on CBS’s show derived from Hank Ketcham’s widely read comic strip. Set against a picture-perfect U.S. suburban backdrop, North’s character, Dennis, became known for his signature overalls and striped shirt. His antics often left his retired neighbor, George Wilson, played initially by Joseph Kearns and later by Gale Gordon, in consternation. The roles of Dennis’ understanding parents were portrayed by Herbert Anderson and Gloria Henry.
Running in a prime Sunday night slot, the show was canceled in 1963 but continued to enjoy a long life through decades of syndication. North’s career continued with various appearances on television series such as “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” “The Lucy Show,” “My Three Sons,” “Lassie,” and “The Simpsons.” He also had roles in films like “Maya” (1966), “The Teacher” (1974), and “Dickie Robert: Former Child Star” (2003).
North leaves behind his wife, Cindy, and his three stepdaughters.