Dennis The Menace star dies as pal says he's 'at peace' after cancer battle
Dennis The Menace star Jay North has died it has been confirmed following a battle with colorectal cancer with a friend sharing online that he is 'out of pain'
Dennis The Menace star Jay North has died it has been confirmed following a battle with colorectal cancer with a friend sharing online that he is 'out of pain'Actor Jay North has died (
Image: Getty Images)
Dennis The Menace star Jay North has died his friends have confirmed. The actor, best known for playing the comic strip character, famed for his red and black outfit appeared in the CBS sitcom between 1959 and 1963. He was 73 when he died at his home in Lake Butler, Florida.
In recent years, the actor who last appeared on screen in the 2003 movie, Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, had been battling ill health and had started to deteriorate. Friends say he was surrounded by his wife Cindy Hackman and her daughters from a previous marriage when he died.
In a tear-jerking tribute, his friend, Laurie Jacobson said: "Jeannie Russell just called us with terribly sad, but not unexpected news. 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."
Meanwhile, Laurie's husband, Lassie star, Jon Provost added on social media: "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."
TMZ reports that Jay hadn't seen his friends recently as he was advised by medical staff to isolate due to his condition.
Speaking to E! in 1999, Jay said: "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."
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