Original 'Dennis the Menace' dies aged 73 after cancer battle: 'He had a heart as big as a mountain'
'50s child star Jay North, best known for playing Dennis the Menace in the original sitcom, has died. He was 73.
The star's friend Laurie Jacobson confirmed on Monday morning (local time) the star died after a years-long cancer battle.
On Facebook, Jacobson said his death was "terribly sad, but not unexpected news."
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Jay North (right), pictured with co-stars Gloria Henry and Herbert Anderson, rose to fame on sitcom Dennis the Menace. CBS via Getty Images
"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," the post read.
She noted the actor 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."
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Jacobson recalled North "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."
North was known for starring as the titular Dennis Mitchell on the American sitcom, Dennis the Menace, which aired for four seasons from 1959 to 1963.
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The sitcom was based on the comic strip by Hank Ketcham. There was also a movie adaptation in the '90s.
North was just eight years old when he first starred in the show alongside Gloria Henry and Herbert Anderson.
He went on to appear in movies such as Maya, Zebra in the Kitchen, and The Teacher.
North's Dennis the Menace co-star Jeannie Russell, who played Margaret Wade, told The Hollywood Reporter North was her "otherworldly brother."
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Lassie star Jon Provost, who is married to Jacobson, shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook for his "dear friend."
"I've known Jay for almost 70 years, now you can rest in peace Jay," he wrote.
"You were a great guy Jay and I miss you with all my heart, but I know you're at peace now," he added.
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