America’s beloved TV troublemaker who captured the hearts of a generation as Dennis the Menace, Jay North, has died at 73 after losing his battle with colon cancer.
See the tweet below.
North’s passing marks the end of an era when family television programs celebrated traditional American values and childhood innocence.
His iconic portrayal of the mischievous but well-meaning Dennis Mitchell remains a treasured memory for millions of Americans who grew up watching wholesome entertainment.
According to multiple sources, the child star passed away on April 6, 2025, at his home in Lake Butler, Florida.
North’s friend Laurie Jacobson announced his death on Facebook, while his former co-star Jeannie Russell confirmed he had been fighting colon cancer before his passing.
Born in Hollywood in 1951, North began his television career at age 6, appearing on several NBC variety shows before landing his signature role.
From 1959 to 1963, the blond-haired youngster with the famous cowlick portrayed Dennis Mitchell on CBS’s “Dennis the Menace,” based on Hank Ketcham’s popular comic strip about a well-intentioned boy whose adventures often led to unintended trouble.
The family-friendly series ran for four seasons. North’s character regularly caused headaches for his neighbor, Mr. Wilson.
After “Dennis the Menace” ended, North struggled with typecasting in Hollywood. He appeared in films like “Zebra in the Kitchen” and “Maya,” but found it difficult to escape his famous character.
“I still had the face, and that’s what casting directors, producers and directors saw when I would go in to read for a role,” North once explained.
In a 1993 interview, North said his aunt Marie Hopper — who served as his guardian when his mother was working — was physically and emotionally abusive.
“If it took me more than one or two takes, I would be threatened and then whacked. Even if a delay wasn’t my fault, she would find a way to blame me and punish me…” North said.
Like many child stars, North’s early success came with a heavy price.
He reportedly suffered emotional abuse from his guardian during filming and later spoke out about the neglect of his education despite laws requiring schooling for child actors.
By the mid-1970s, disillusioned with Hollywood, North joined the Navy to serve his country – a decision that reflected the patriotic values he embodied on screen.
The late actor later collaborated with fellow former child star Paul Petersen to form A Minor Consideration, an organization dedicated to supporting and protecting young performers in the entertainment industry.
North eventually returned to acting in the 1980s, working as a voice actor and appearing in dinner theater productions.
His final role came in 2003’s “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star,” a fitting bookend to a career that began with such promise and innocence.
He is survived by his third wife, Cindy, and three stepdaughters.
His legacy lives on through reruns and streaming services, allowing new generations to experience the wholesome, family-centered entertainment that once defined American television.
Jay North, who starred as the towheaded mischief maker on TV's "Dennis the Menace" for four seasons starting in 1959, has died. He was 73. https://t.co/RD0oG8QMdt
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 7, 2025
