Dennis The Menace actress Gloria Henry dies aged 98 just a day after her birthday

Gloria Henry has died at the age of 98, it has been confirmed. 

The actress, best known for starring in CBS series Dennis The Menace, died on Saturday at her Los Angeles home just one day after celebrating her birthday. 

Henry’s daughter Erin Ellwood announced the news in an Instagram post, which said: ‘She’s flying now, free of her body. She left on a countdown 4 3 2 1 @ 3:40pm. She was such an incredible woman in so many ways. 

‘This last year with her has been beautiful and heartbreaking. Thank you all for following me and supporting me on this journey – this beautiful land mine. 

‘Goodbye Momma, I love your guts forever ❤️.’ 

Alongside the caption was a photo of Henry posing in the middle of angel wings painted on a street wall. 

Two and a Half Men actress Holland Taylor paid tribute to the actress and commented: ‘What an extraordinary person, what an extraordinary relationship you and she crafted and nurtured. 

‘I loved her and listened keenly to what she said. She knew what she felt about things and seemed distinguished by a very steady mind. Your posts this past year have been lovely and uplifting. 

‘Thinking of you with love and admiration.’ 

On Friday, Erin shared a birthday card Gloria received from Marcus Hamilton, the cartoonist behind the Dennis The Menace cartoons which often appear in newspapers. Hamilton customised the birthday card so that it thanked Henry for being the best ‘mum’ to Dennis and Henry revealed the actress was touched by the gift. 

Henry rose to fame playing Dennis’ mother, Alice Mitchell, in the black and white CBS sitcom for four seasons between 1959 and 1963, starring in 146 episodes. Alice was best known for playing peacemaker between Dennis and his nemesis and neighbour, Mr. Wilson.

Reflecting on the impact of her role, Henry said in a 2011 interview: ‘Many of the fans say, “Oh, I always wished you were my mum” and “My mum was jealous of you, because I wanted you for a mom”. Which is pretty funny, because I don’t think my own children felt that way.’ 

Henry also starred in several movies and other TV shows, including Adventures in Silverado, The Arkansas Swing, Johnny Alegro, The Files of Jeffrey Jones, Perry Mason, Simon & Simon, Silver Spoons, and Dallas. 

The actress is survived by three children; Jeffrey, Adam and Erin, from her marriage to architect Craig Ellwood who she divorced in 1977 after 28 years together. 

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