Overview

• Jay North, best known for his role as Dennis Mitchell in the CBS sitcom 'Dennis the Menace,' died on Sunday at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, at the age of 73.
• North had been battling colon cancer for several years, with his death confirmed by longtime friend Laurie Jacobson and co-star Jeannie Russell.
• Rising to fame as a child star, North portrayed the mischievous Dennis Mitchell from 1959 to 1963, a role that cemented his place in television history but also led to challenges with typecasting.
• North later revealed he endured physical and emotional abuse during his time as a child actor, which shaped his advocacy for young performers through the organization A Minor Consideration.
• After stepping away from acting, North pursued a second career as a correctional officer in Florida while continuing to reflect on his complex relationship with Hollywood.