JUST IN: Jay North, Iconic Child Star of ‘Dennis the Menace’ and ‘Maya,’ Passes Away at 73 After a Long and Courageous Battle with Colorectal Cancer

Jay North, Iconic Child Star of ‘Dennis the Menace’ and ‘Maya,’ Passes Away at 73 After a Courageous Battle with Cancer

April 6, 2025 – Jay North, the beloved child actor who brought the mischievous yet endearing Dennis Mitchell to life in the classic sitcom Dennis the Menace, has passed away at the age of 73. North died peacefully at his home on April 6, 2025, after a years-long battle with colorectal cancer, as confirmed by his friend, producer and writer Laurie Jacobson, and his representative to PEOPLE. His death marks the end of a remarkable life that spanned early stardom, personal struggles, and a meaningful second act as an advocate for child actors.

A Child Star’s Rise to Fame

Born Jay Waverly North Jr. on August 3, 1951, in Los Angeles, North began his career in the late 1950s as a child model and actor, appearing in commercials and small roles on popular NBC variety shows like The George Gobel Show and The Milton Berle Show. His big break came at the age of 7 when he was cast as Dennis Mitchell in CBS’s Dennis the Menace (1959–1963), a sitcom based on Hank Ketcham’s widely loved comic strip about a well-meaning but trouble-prone boy. North’s portrayal of Dennis, with his signature blonde hair and playful antics, made him a household name and a cultural icon of the era.

The show ran for four seasons, and by its final year, North was earning $3,500 per episode (equivalent to about $37,000 in 2024). However, as he grew older, the 11-year-old began to outgrow the character’s childish behavior, and the series ended in 1963 following the unexpected death of Joseph Kearns, who played Dennis’s foil, Mr. Wilson.

North’s career continued with other notable roles, including starring in the 1966 adventure film Maya as Terry Bowen, a teenager searching for his father in India alongside a native boy, Raji (played by Sajid Khan), and an elephant named Maya. The film’s success led to a follow-up NBC television series of the same name, which aired from 1967 to 1968. Filmed entirely on location, the series showcased North’s versatility as a young actor. He also lent his voice to animated shows like Arabian Knights, Here Comes the Grump, and The Pebbles and Bam-Bam Show, further expanding his repertoire.

A Difficult Journey in Hollywood

Despite his early success, North’s time in Hollywood was far from easy. In a 1991 talk show appearance, he opened up about the abuse he endured as a child actor at the hands of his aunt, who served as his studio guardian on the set of Dennis the Menace. “I used to wake up every single morning thinking, ‘My God, do I have to spend another day with this woman?’” North recalled. He described being physically disciplined and verbally berated, even after receiving praise from the crew for his performances. The trauma left a lasting impact on him, and in his 20s, North felt typecast as Dennis Mitchell, struggling to find new roles in an industry that seemed to have moved on.

North’s challenges as a former child star were compounded by financial misconceptions. In a 1993 interview with Filmfax magazine, he clarified that, unlike some child actors, he did not support his family with his earnings. “I never supported my mother during [Dennis the Menace]. She earned her own money from AFTRA. She never lived off my earnings,” he said, dispelling rumors that had followed him for years.

A New Chapter Beyond Acting

After a brief stint in the entertainment industry in the early 1980s, including a week-long role on General Hospital, North largely stepped away from Hollywood. He served in the military, receiving an honorable discharge in 1979, and later worked in the health food industry. For the last 20 years of his career, North found purpose as a correctional officer for the Florida Department of Corrections, a role that allowed him to contribute to his community in a meaningful way.

North also became an advocate for child actors, working with A Minor Consideration, a support group founded by former child star Paul Petersen. Through this organization, North mentored young performers, drawing from his own experiences to help them navigate the challenges of fame. His advocacy work was a