Posted on 04/06/2025 2:34:06 PM PDT by DFG
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.
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.
'Jeanne Russell just called us with terribly sad, but not unexpected news,' Jay's friend Laurie Jacobson announced on Facebook.
'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'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 wife Cindy and his beloved stepdaughters, who 'gave him a family he never had' since he was an only child who never knew his father.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Shorted lived series called Maya was really good.
RIP “Dennis”
What was his handle,
https://freerepublic.com/tag/by:jaynorth/index?brevity=full;tab=comments
......
He last posted in January of this year.
Down to earth guy.
Side Note:
As an adult, Jay North looked a lot like somebody else very famous: John Ellis Bush aka ‘Jeb’.
I knew Ken Osmond (Eddie Haskell). He joined LAPD and got shot two different times. He retired and passed away not too long ago.
Just because so many actors are scum doesn’t make all of them that way..Rip Jay North.
I always remember him and the bossy little girl, Margaret, getting into fights.
The precursor to Calvin and Hobbes and Susie
:-(
Seems like a top flight FReeper.
RIP ... and, thanks for the memories, Jay.
Then why did you click on the article - much less post your lame comment?
Loved his character, Eddie. I still watch the show, lol! It’s an underrated comedy and it always cheers me up.
I like Maya a lot as a kid. The show disappeared too fast.
RIP Jay North.
(Might the freeper with the same name be someone else?)
It's pathetic.
Rest in Peace Jay, thanks for the memories..................
He joined the Navy after his stint in Hollywood...............
Shakespeare is remembered. He won't be.
Boo hoo, fan boy. I’m sure some other actor will fill the void in your life.
Don’t worry, another actor will fill your empty void.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.