Former child star, Jay North, best known for portraying "Dennis the Menace" in the classic 1960s sitcom, died on Sunday at the age of 73, Fox News Digital confirmed. He died peacefully at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, around noon, after a long battle with colorectal cancer.
Born in Hollywood, North rose to fame for his iconic role as the mischievous young boy in CBS's "Dennis the Menace", a TV adaptation of Hank Ketcham's popular comic strip. The show aired for four seasons from 1959 to 1963. "Jeanne Russell just called us with terribly sad, but not unexpected news," Jay's friend Laurie Jacobson wrote on Facebook confirming his death.
Child Icon Dead
"As many of his fans know, he had a difficult journey in Hollywood and after...but he did not let it define his life. He had a heart as big as a mountain, loved his friends deeply. He called us frequently and ended every conversation with 'I love you with all my heart.'
"And we loved him with all of ours. A life-long friend of Jon's, a brother to Jeanne and a dear friend to me, we will miss him terribly. He is out of pain now. His suffering is over. At last he is at peace."
Provost shared that it was "with deep sadness" he announced the passing of his friend of nearly seven decades, who died on Sunday. "We just lost another original and dear friend, Jay 'Dennis the Menace' North," Provost shared. "Jay passed today at 12:00 EST, I've known Jay for almost 70 years, now you can rest in peace Jay.
"It wasn't as easy for you as it was for some of us, not that it was a piece of cake that's for sure, but you did suffer a lot more than most. You were a great guy Jay and I miss you with all my heart, but I know you're at peace now."
According to TMZ, Jay North's health had declined significantly over the past month. He died surrounded by his wife Cindy and his three beloved stepdaughters, who "gave him the family he never had," as he grew up an only child and never knew his father.
A former correctional officer, North was deeply touched to receive hundreds of letters from fans, which his friend Jacobson collected and presented to him on Christmas.
A Single Role That Made Him a Star
Jay began his acting career at the age of six, appearing in television shows such as "Queen for a Day", "The Milton Berle Show", "77 Sunset Strip", and "Sugarfoot", along with roles in movies like The Miracle of the Hills and The Big Operator.
By 1960, his role in "Dennis the Menace" catapulted him to fame, making him a household name and pop culture icon. At the height of the show's popularity, he earned as much as $3,500 per episode — equivalent to around $37,000 today.
However, behind the camera, Jay faced personal struggles. Reports suggest he was mistreated by his strict aunt, who looked after him while his mother, Dorothy, worked full-time.
North, who was also forbidden from dating during his teenage years, once revealed that his aunt would threaten him, warning that if he ever spoke out, she would "come after me."
Jay, who began attending therapy in the 1980s after experiencing suicidal thoughts, was fortunately in a stable financial position. His mother had safeguarded his earnings by placing them in a trust and making smart investments in real estate.
