Jay North dead at 73: The Dennis the Menace star's 'terribly sad' friends reveal cause of death

Jay North, the former child star, has passed away at the age of 73 in his home in Lake Butler, FL. He died peacefully on a Sunday at noon after a long battle with colorectal cancer.

Born in Hollywood, Jay North was most famous for his role as the main character in the CBS sitcom Dennis the Menace. The show was based on the Hank Ketcham comic strip and aired for four seasons from 1959 to 1963.

‘Jeanne Russell just called us with terribly sad, but not unexpected news,’ Jay’s friend Laurie Jacobson announced on Facebook.

‘Despite facing challenges in Hollywood and beyond, Jay North never let them overshadow his life. He was known for his immense kindness towards his friends. He made a point of expressing his love for them by regularly calling them and always ending conversations 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.’

Laurie’s husband – Lassie alum Jon Provost – added on his own Facebook account: ‘I’ve known Jay for almost 70 years, now you can rest in peace Jay. It wasn’t as easy for you as it was for some of us, not that it was a piece of cake that’s for sure, but you did suffer a lot more than most. You were a great guy Jay and I miss you with all my heart, but I know you’re at peace now.’ 

Former child star Jay North passed away, at age 73, peacefully at his Lake Butler, FL home on Sunday at noon following a long battle with colorectal cancer (pictured in 2013)

Former child star Jay North passed away, at age 73, peacefully at his Lake Butler, FL home on Sunday at noon following a long battle with colorectal cancer (pictured in 2013)

The Hollywood native is best known for playing the titular role in CBS sitcom Dennis the Menace, based on the Hank Ketcham comic strip, which ran for four seasons spanning 1959-1963

The Hollywood native is best known for playing the titular role in CBS sitcom Dennis the Menace, based on the Hank Ketcham comic strip, which ran for four seasons spanning 1959-1963

According to TMZ, North’s health deteriorated over the past month and when he died he was surrounded by his wife Cindy and his three beloved stepdaughters, who ‘gave him a family he never had’ since he was an only child who never knew his father.

The correctional officer was ‘thrilled’ to have received hundreds of letters from fans, which Jacobson compiled and gave him on Christmas.

Jay began his career at age six appearing in TV shows like Queen for a Day, The Milton Berle Show, 77 Sunset Strip, and Sugarfoot as well as films like The Miracle of the Hills and The Big Operator.

By 1960, Dennis the Menace launched North into superstardom as a certified pop culture icon and he earned up to $3,500 ($37K equivalent today) per episode.

But behind the scenes, Jay’s late taskmaster aunt allegedly abused him while his mother Dorothy worked a full-time job.

‘If it took me more than one or two takes, I would be threatened and then whacked,’ North confessed to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 1993.

‘Even if a delay wasn’t my fault, she would find a way to blame me and punish me. She was also very possessive and isolated me from the rest of the cast. I couldn’t even eat lunch with everybody else. She made me eat it in the dressing room by myself.’

Jay continued: ‘She was careful never to hit me in front of anyone else, and in places on my body where it wouldn’t show – although I’m shocked the bruises weren’t visible on my face.’

North – who also wasn’t allowed to date as a teenager – said his aunt threatened him that if he ever told she’d ‘get me.’ 

Jay's friend Laurie Jacobson announced on Facebook: 'Jeanne Russell just called us with terribly sad, but not unexpected news'

Jay’s friend Laurie Jacobson announced on Facebook: ‘Jeanne Russell just called us with terribly sad, but not unexpected news’

Laurie's husband - Lassie alum Jon Provost - added on his own Facebook account: 'I've known Jay for almost 70 years, now you can rest in peace Jay. It wasn't as easy for you as it was for some of us, not that it was a piece of cake that's for sure, but you did suffer a lot more than most. You were a great guy Jay and I miss you with all my heart, but I know you're at peace now'

Laurie’s husband – Lassie alum Jon Provost – added on his own Facebook account: ‘I’ve known Jay for almost 70 years, now you can rest in peace Jay. It wasn’t as easy for you as it was for some of us, not that it was a piece of cake that’s for sure, but you did suffer a lot more than most. You were a great guy Jay and I miss you with all my heart, but I know you’re at peace now’

According to TMZ, North's health deteriorated over the past month and when he died he was surrounded by his third wife Cindy (R) and his three beloved stepdaughters, who 'gave him a family he never had' since he was an only child who never knew his father

According to TMZ, North’s health deteriorated over the past month and when he died he was surrounded by his third wife Cindy (R) and his three beloved stepdaughters, who ‘gave him a family he never had’ since he was an only child who never knew his father 

The correctional officer (pictured in 1999) was 'thrilled' to have received hundreds of letters from fans, which Jacobson compiled and gave him on Christmas

The correctional officer (pictured in 1999) was ‘thrilled’ to have received hundreds of letters from fans, which Jacobson compiled and gave him on Christmas

You May Also Like
100 Days in, I'm Grateful Butler, PA Didn’t Go As Planned

After 100 days, I’m thankful that things didn’t go according to plan in Butler, PA.

During the first 100 days of the Trump administration, unprecedented efficiency and…
UPS layoffs: Package delivery company to cut 20,000 jobs, close 73 facilities as it reduces amount of Amazon shipments it handles

UPS to cut 20,000 jobs and close 73 facilities due to decrease in Amazon shipments

UPS is looking to slash about 20,000 jobs and close more than…
Eva Longoria Talks Potential ‘Desperate Housewives’ Reboot On ‘WWHL’: “I Can’t Sleep With Any More People On That Street”

Eva Longoria Discusses the Possibility of a ‘Desperate Housewives’ Comeback on ‘WWHL’: “I’ve Had Enough Romance on That Block”

Actress Eva Longoria believes that convincing the creator of Desperate Housewives, to…
Nicole Kidman returns in Hulu's 'Nine Perfect Strangers' season two trailer

Hulu releases trailer for season two of ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ featuring Nicole Kidman

Hulu has just revealed the trailer for season two of “Nine Perfect…
Little-known CIA document that reveals Area 51's TRUE purpose

Uncovered CIA file exposes the real purpose of Area 51

Area 51 has long been the stuff of alien lore, with whispers of…
From Inauguration Day to the Vatican, a look back at Trump’s first 100 days: Photos

Reflecting on Trump’s Initial 100 Days: A Journey from Inauguration Day to the Vatican in Photos

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th…
Texas hospitals hit with $122 million bill for illegal immigrants' care in single month

Texas hospitals faced a $122 million bill for providing healthcare to illegal immigrants in just one month

Texas hospitals were left on the hook for nearly $122 million in…
Karen Read scores major win as judge allows crash reconstruction testimony

Judge’s ruling permits crash reconstruction testimony, boosting Karen Read’s case

Judge Beverly Cannone dismissed a request on Tuesday to prevent crucial defense…
Pete Hegseth accidentally roasts Noem and Rubio as he shuts down 'woke' Pentagon program

Pete Hegseth unknowingly criticizes Noem and Rubio while ending controversial Pentagon initiative

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has decided to terminate a program that…
100 Days of Hoaxes Should Be More Aptly Named '100 Days of Democrat Meltdowns'

“Renaming 100 Days of Hoaxes to 100 Days of Democrat Outbursts”

America, the Trump administration, and President Donald Trump have reached the significant…
Sordid history of millionaire skipper Jeff Knight at the helm in fatal Clearwater ferry crash includes another boating disaster and groping female employee

The disturbing past of wealthy captain Jeff Knight involved in tragic Clearwater ferry accident, highlights previous boating incident and inappropriate behavior towards female staff

The boat’s captain involved in a tragic accident with a ferry, resulting…
GOP Infighting in Virginia Could Cast Shadow Over 2025 Governor’s Race

Internal Conflict Within Virginia Republicans Looms Over 2025 Governor’s Race

Republican drama is currently unfolding in Virginia, which could potentially have a…