Dennis Rush, a former child actor known for his work in classic Hollywood and television, has died at the age of 74.
He passed away on Saturday while being transported to a hospital near his home in the San Diego area after being diagnosed with leukemia last month, according to actor and musician Keith Thibodeaux.
Born in Philadelphia in 1951, Rush moved to Los Angeles as a toddler. His acting career began unexpectedly when he was discovered at a studio by James Cagney, leading to a role in Man of a Thousand Faces.
He later became known for playing Howie Pruitt, one of Opie’s friends on The Andy Griffith Show, alongside young Ron Howard.
After growing out of child roles, Rush stepped away from Hollywood, later serving in the U.S. Marines and living a quiet life outside the spotlight.