Television’s original Dennis the Menace, Jay North, dies age 73

Jay North, who rose to fame as the iconic mischief maker on television’s Dennis the Menace in the 1950s and 60s has sadly passed away at the age of 73.

North died on Sunday, April 6 at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, following a battle with colon cancer.

North’s longtime friend Laurie Jacobson took to social media to announce his passing, reflecting on how those close to him will “miss him terribly”.

“Our dear friend JAY NORTH has been fighting cancer for a number of years and this morning at noon EST, Jay passed peacefully at home,” she wrote.

“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.”

Born on August 3, 1951, North was just six years old when he was cast as the lovable troublemaker in the CBS sitcom based on Hank Ketcham’s popular comic strip.

Often dressed in a striped shirt and overalls, Dennis’s mischievous behaviour regularly tested the patience of his retired neighbour, George Wilson, played by Joseph Kearns.

The show aired on Sunday nights until its cancellation in 1963, but it continued to enjoy widespread popularity in syndication for many years.

In the years that followed, North appeared in a variety of TV shows, including The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Lucy Show, My Three Sons, Lassie, and The Simpsons. He also appeared in films such as Maya (1966), The Teacher (1974), and Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003).

As news of his passing spread, longtime fans quickly offered their heartfelt farewells, reflecting fondly on his time as Dennis the Menace.

So sad to share the news about the passing of my old friend, Jay North.
He was known and loved as Dennis the Menace. I was lucky to call him a friend. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PeSioEwhz6

— Erin Murphy (@Erin_Murphy) April 7, 2025

A VERY SAD FAREWELL
For those of us who are a certain age, this is like losing an old pal.
RIP Jay North pic.twitter.com/Oo1w9UvgzW

— James L. Neibaur (@JimLNeibaur) April 6, 2025

We are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of #JayNorth’s passing today. Eternally known as “Dennis the Menace”, he also worked with Lucy on an episode of #TheLucyShow titled, “Lucy, the Robot”.

Rest in Peace, dear Jay. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/pWljqSJ2MM

— Lucy-Desi Tribute Page (@LucyDesiTribPg) April 7, 2025

Rest in Power Jay North.

One of the great child actors of the 1960’s, his role as Dennis Mitchell in Dennis the Menace may be one of the finest kids performances in TV history.

But for some of us gen x kids, he will always be Bamm Bamm in The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show. pic.twitter.com/rGfmalpmmb

— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) April 6, 2025

RIP to the original Dennis the Menace, Jay North. I remember watching reruns of the show in the 90s on Nickelodeon. Funny show.

Jeannie Russell (Margaret) is now the last surviving cast member. https://t.co/Z76a2mpCke pic.twitter.com/t5LYcqjcQT

— Sha Hartley (@shahartley) April 6, 2025

North is survived by his third wife, Cindy and three stepdaughters.

-with AP.