
Jay North
ActingAbout Jay North
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jay Waverly North (August 3, 1951 – April 6, 2025) was an American actor. Beginning a career as a child actor at the age of six, he became a household name during the early 1960s for his role as the well-meaning but mischievous Dennis Mitchell on the CBS situation comedy Dennis the Menace, based on the comic strip created by Hank Ketcham. As a teen, North had roles in two Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer feature films Zebra in the Kitchen and Maya, as well as starring in the NBC television series adaptation of the latter film, also titled Maya. As an adult, he turned to voice acting work for animated television series, voicing the roles of Prince Turhan in the Arabian Knights segment of The Banana Splits Adventure Hour and a teenaged Bamm-Bamm Rubble on The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show. After leaving show business and disclosing the truth of a troubled childhood as a child actor, North began working with fellow former child star Paul Petersen and the organization A Minor Consideration, using his experiences as a child performer to counsel other children working within the entertainment industry.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Jay North reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 13 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Family
The majority of Jay North's filmography leans towards the Family genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 15% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Jay North remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Unbreakable Boy, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Jay North Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Jay North's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Jay North.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | The Unbreakable Boy | Burger Patron (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1985 | Wild Wind | Captain Schofield | Flop | Similar → |
| 1980 | Scout's Honor | Grogan's Dad | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Teacher | Sean Roberts | Flop | Similar → |
| 1972 | Lassie: Joyous Sound | Jim (Curly-Haired Surfer) | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | The Pledge of Allegiance | Narrator | Flop | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Fantastic Plastic Machine | Narrator | Flop | Similar → |
| 1966 | Maya | Terry Bowen | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | Zebra in the Kitchen | Chris Carlyle | Flop | Similar → |
| 1960 | Pepe | Jay North | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Big Operator | Timmy Gibson | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Miracle of the Hills | Davey Leonard | Flop | Similar → |
Jay North - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Jay North?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jay North is "The Unbreakable Boy" with a rating of 7.7/10.
How many movies has Jay North acted in?
Jay North has been featured in at least 13 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Jay North?
Other notable films include "Scout's Honor", "Pepe", and "Lassie: Joyous Sound".




