It’s a sad day for fans of the classic sitcom Dennis The Menace. The show’s lead actor, Jay North, died on April 6, following a battle with colorectal cancer. His friend for more than 30 years, Laurie Jacobson, shared the news in a post on Facebook. Laurie wrote her friend battled cancer for several years and passed away at home.
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“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,” Laurie wrote.
Dennis The Menace Was Jay’s Biggest Role
He played the pesky neighbor of Mr. Wilson for four seasons from 1959 to 1963 on CBS. Fellow child star John Provost, who played Timmy on Lassie, shared a dedicated to Jay on Facebook. He wrote, “I share this news with a heavy, heavy heart. We just lost another original and dear friend, Jay “Dennis the Menace” North…….Jay passed today at 12:00 EST, 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…….”
A Dennis the Menace fan wrote, “Wow. Very sorry to hear that.”
“He was a big part of childhood for so many of us. Rest in peace, Jay,” another person shared.
“We lost a true American icon and you lost a very wonderful friend. My deepest sympathy and prayers for all who knew him personally and loved him,” a fan prayed.
This story’s featured image is by CBS via Getty Images.
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