Latest news with #AMinorConsideration
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Original Dennis the Menace star Jay North dies aged 73
Jay North has died at the age of 73. The former child star shot to fame in the title role of the 1959 TV series 'Dennis the Menace' and continued to appear on screen in various roles until the late 1980s but passed away on Sunday (06.04.25) following a battle with cancer. A post shared on Facebook written on behalf of Jeannie Russell - who played Margaret in 'Dennis the Menace' - read: "Jeanne Russell just called us with terribly sad, but not unexpected news. Our dear friend JAY NORTH has been fighting cancer for a number of years and this morning at noon EST, Jay passed peacefully at home." Following his rise to fame, Jay - who is survived by his wife Cindy Hackney and his three stepdaughters - appeared on programmes such as 'My Three Sons ' and 'The Lucy Show'. He also appeared on 'Here Comes the Grump' and voiced the character of Bamm-Bamm Rubble on 'The Flintstones' for a period of time but retired from acting altogether after more dramatic roles failed to materialise. In 1990, he learned that fellow former child star Paul Petersen had taken his own life so sought therapy over the abuse he had suffered as a child in Hollywood, and joined the organisation A Minor Consideration. Three years later, the release of the 'Dennis the Menace' film prompted media interest in what became of Jay and he eventually opened up about the difficulties he had faced. The post continued: "As many of his fans know, he had a difficult journey in Hollywood and 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 [Provost], 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." Jay made his final credited appearance in a 1999 episode of 'The Simpsons' and moved to Florida, where he started up a new career as a correctional officer but still made appearances at various events to meet with fans. In 1999, he reflected to E! News: "I am so happy that I was able to have such a positive impact on people's lives. I'm going to write my autobiography and then I'm just going to live a contented, happy life here in Lake Butler with the people I love, and kind of just vanish into the mists of time."
Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Jay North, 'Dennis the Menace' star, dies at 73
Jay North, the child actor best known for portraying Dennis Mitchell in the classic 1960s sitcom Dennis the Menace, has died at age 73. The actor passed away peacefully at home on April 6 after a prolonged battle with cancer, according to a statement by producer Laurie Jacobson. Jacobson announced North's passing in a heartfelt Facebook post, reflecting on his enduring kindness and struggles in Hollywood. 'Jay passed peacefully at home,' she wrote. 'He had a heart as big as a mountain.' North's representative later confirmed the news. Rising to fame between 1959 and 1963 as Dennis the Menace, North became an American household name. He went on to star in films such as Zebra in the Kitchen and Maya, and voiced characters in numerous animated series including The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show and The Flintstones Comedy Hour. North's career, however, came with personal pain. In a 1991 interview, he spoke openly about abuse suffered as a child actor. 'I would go in and do a scene... and then I would get a slap across the face,' he recalled of his guardian's treatment. Though typecast and eventually sidelined by the industry, North found purpose elsewhere. He served in the military, worked in the health food sector, and later as a correctional officer in Florida. He also mentored young performers through the advocacy group A Minor Consideration. Fellow advocate Paul Petersen paid tribute, saying, 'Dennis the Menace has shed his mortal coil... you left a mark as our first formal rescue.' North is survived by his wife, Cindy Hackney, and three stepdaughters.
