‘Dennis the Menace’ child star, Jay North, dies at 73
Jay Waverly North, the beloved child actor who brought Dennis Mitchell to life in the classic television sitcom “Dennis the Menace,” passed away on April 6, 2025, at his home in Lake Butler, Florida. He was 73 years old and had been battling colon cancer for several years.
Born in Hollywood, California, in 1951, North rose to fame portraying the mischievous yet well-meaning Dennis in 146 episodes of the show from 1959 to 1963. His career extended beyond the series, starring in films like Maya (1966) and Zebra in the Kitchen (1965), and lending his voice to animated series such as Arabian Knights and The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show. He also had guest appearances on TV in “The Detectives,“ “Wanted: Dead or Alive,“ “The George Gobel Show“ and “77 Sunset Strip.“
… North did not have things easy growing up, his father being an alcoholic and his parents separating when he was only 4-years-old (and that point being the last time he ever laid his eyes on his dad). Dorothy, his mother, began working at the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists’ West Coast office. She was able to use her position to get Jay on the local Cartoon Express kid’s show, which resulted in a talent agent signing him up. ~ Woman’s World
Jay, surrounded by only adults, was reportedly not happy on the set of “Dennis the Menace” as he was forced to work eight-hour days in an industry that had not yet begun to protect children’s rights on the set. He said the only time he smiled was when the cameras were rolling – and he had to smile.
Later in life, North did a stint in the U.S. Navy, went on to form a non-profit that counselled other child performers; and he worked as a corrections officer in Florida.
North is survived by his wife, Cindy Hackney, and his three stepdaughters. His passing marks the end of an era for fans who cherished his iconic role.
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(Additional Sources: USA Today, Newsweek, TODAY, IMDB, Times Now)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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