Joseph Sherrard Kearns

 Joseph Sherrard Kearns (February 12, 1907 – February 17, 1962)

He is best remembered for his role as George Wilson ("Mr. Wilson") in the CBS television series Dennis the Menace from 1959 until his death in 1962, and for providing the voice of the Doorknob in the animated Disney film, Alice in Wonderland. Kearns made his film debut in Hard, Fast and Beautiful (1951), and appeared in several movies, making his final film appearance as the crime photographer in Anatomy of a Murder (1959). In the last episode that aired before Kearns' death, episode 89 entitled "Where There's a Will", the story dealt with Mr. Wilson making out a will and explaining that Dennis would inherit his gold watch when he dies. The last episode Kearns filmed was titled "The Man Next Door", episode 100, and shown on May 6, 1962. Sylvia Field as George's wife, Martha, remained for a few more broadcasts, with John Wilson appearing in episode 103, "John Wilson's Cushion", which aired on May 27, 1962. There were references to George being 'back east' in subsequent shows. Kearns suffered a cerebral hemorrhage on February 11, 1962, during the third season of Dennis the Menace. He was hospitalized but never regained consciousness and died on February 17, 1962, five days after having turned 55. He is buried at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills.