Jay North, widely recognized for his portrayal of the mischievous blond boy with the signature cowlick in Dennis the Menace, has died at the age of 73. After enduring a long and difficult illness, he passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, on April 6.

North rose to fame early in life, becoming a fixture of classic television when, at just six years old, he landed the lead role in the CBS sitcom Dennis the Menace. The show, based on Hank Ketcham’s popular comic strip, became a staple of American television and made North a household name. With his infectious grin and comedic timing, he brought the spirited Dennis Mitchell to life, creating a character many still remember fondly.