Jay North, TV's Original Dennis the Menace, Dies at 73

• Apr 07, 2025

Jay North, the actor best known for playing the original "Dennis the Menace" on television, has died at the age of 73. He passed away on Sunday at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, after a battle with colon cancer, according to his longtime friend Laurie Jacobson and his booking agent Bonnie Vent.

North became a household name at just 6 years old when he was cast as Dennis Mitchell in CBS’s “Dennis the Menace,” which premiered in 1959. The sitcom was based on Hank Ketcham’s comic strip and followed the adventures of a blond-haired boy whose constant mischief caused headaches for his grumpy neighbor, George Wilson. Joseph Kearns played Mr. Wilson, while Dennis’ calm and understanding parents were portrayed by Herbert Anderson and Gloria Henry.

The show quickly became a Sunday night favorite and ran for four seasons until its cancellation in 1963. Even after its original run, “Dennis the Menace” remained popular through reruns and syndication, allowing new generations to discover North’s portrayal of the energetic, trouble-loving boy often seen in striped shirts and overalls.

After his run as Dennis, North continued to act in television and films. His TV credits included appearances in popular shows such as “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” “The Lucy Show,” “My Three Sons,” “Lassie,” and a guest role in “The Simpsons.” His film work included roles in Maya (1966), The Teacher (1974), and Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003).

Laurie Jacobson paid tribute to North on Facebook, writing, “He had a heart as big as a mountain, loved his friends deeply… He ended every conversation with ‘I love you with all my heart.’” She acknowledged that North had challenges in his career and life but emphasized that he did not allow those struggles to define him.

“His suffering is over. At last he is at peace,” Jacobson wrote.

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