Jay North, on Sunday, after a long battle with cancer. His death was initially reported by close friend Jeannie Russell, who played Margaret Wade, Dennis’s companion on the show.
Other former child actors, including Barry Livingston from “My Three Sons” and Jon Provost from “Lassie,” shared their condolences, with Provost referring to him as an “original and dear friend.”
Born on August 3, 1951, in Hollywood, North became a household name by the age of 8 (with TV promoters advising him to claim he was a year younger) for his portrayal of the playful Dennis in the televised adaptation of the beloved comic strip.
The series ran from late 1959 until 1963, during which time his mother carefully preserved his earnings. He later criticized the actions of his aunt, whom he accused of both physical and emotional abuse, which complicated his feelings about his iconic role on the show.
As the show’s popularity waned, North found himself struggling after aging out of the industry. He made numerous guest appearances on television, often promoting “Dennis,” along with a few film projects, before facing difficulties.
Jay North Movies
He acted in “Zebra in the Kitchen” (1965) and “Maya” (1966), but then experienced a lengthy hiatus. During this time, he took part in dinner theater and lent his voice to Bamm-Bamm as a teenager in the animated series “Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show” (1971-1972).
His last leading role came in the suspense film “The Teacher” in 1974.
North served in the Navy and later made additional acting appearances, including a role on “General Hospital” (1982).
In 1988, he fell victim to one of the first significant death hoaxes; he later referenced this and other strange experiences as a former child star in the film “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star” in 2003.
Having been married three times, he is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Cindy, along with three stepdaughters.
