The face of one of television’s most mischievous yet endearing characters has quietly faded from the spotlight, leaving behind memories cherished by generations.
Jay North, best known for his role as the title character in the 1960s sitcom “Dennis the Menace,” has died. He was 73.
North passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, after battling colorectal cancer. His death was confirmed by longtime friend Laurie Jacobson, who is also the wife of “Lassie” actor Jon Provost.
“Dennis The Menace” TV star Jay North holding a Dennis puppet celebrates the 50th anniversary of the cartoon strip at the “Every Picture Tells A Story” art gallery, circa 1999, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Jacobson told TMZ that North’s health had worsened over the past month. He was surrounded by his wife Cindy and her daughters from a previous marriage when he died.
Jacobson said that Cindy and her daughters “gave him a family he never had,” noting that North was an only child and never knew his father.
Due to his cancer, North had isolated himself in recent months to stay healthy. As a result, he had not seen his friends for some time.
However, Jacobson collected hundreds of letters from fans and gave them to North at Christmas. She said he was thrilled to receive them.
In a Facebook post shared on April 6, Jacobson reflected on their decades-long friendship. She expressed, “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.”
Jacobson acknowledged his challenging path in the industry but emphasized that “he did not let it define his life.”
She remembered North as deeply affectionate toward those close to him, adding, “He called us frequently and ended every conversation with ‘I love you with all my heart.'”
Referring to the loss, she wrote, “We will miss him terribly. He is out of pain now. His suffering is over. At last he is at peace.”
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North rose to fame as a child star in “Dennis the Menace,” which aired from 1959 to 1963. Though he faced personal and professional difficulties later in life, those who knew him say he will be remembered for his loyalty and warmth.
