Remembering Dennis Rush: The Beloved Former Child Actor from ‘Man of a Thousand Faces’ and ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ at 74
Former Child Star Dennis Rush Passes Away at 74
Dennis Rush, the former child actor renowned for his portrayal of young Creighton Chaney in Man of a Thousand Faces and as Howie, a friend of Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show, has passed away at the age of 74. His death was announced by actor Keith Thibodeaux, a long-time friend, via a Facebook post, confirming that Rush died on May 9.
In his tribute, Thibodeaux expressed his shock, stating, “I just got word that my old buddy Dennis Rush, a fine actor and a great friend passed away. What a shock… He was with us as one of Opie’s buddies. He’s the one sitting down. I will miss him at the Andy Griffith festivals as we had so many stories to tell. I’m just glad that I was able to pray with him last month at one of the festivals when he found out that he was diagnosed with leukemia. Mayberry has lost a great citizen and a great friend!”
Rush was born on June 10, 1951, in California, and made significant contributions to television during the late 1950s and early 1960s. His career began with his role in the 1957 film Man of a Thousand Faces, where he portrayed the four-year-old son of silent film star Lon Chaney, who later became a famous horror actor. Throughout his career, he appeared in various classic series such as Wagon Train, Laramie, Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, The Lucy Show, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
His final credited performance was in Disney’s Follow Me, Boys! in 1966.
Tributes have poured in following the news of his passing. Lucie Arnaz Luckingbill, daughter of I Love Lucy icons Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, shared her condolences, commenting on Thibodeaux’s post, “Sorry, Keith. Those decades-long friendships are the best. He will save a nice place for you where he’s going, I’m sure.” Thibodeaux responded with agreement, emphasizing the bond they shared.
As fans and peers remember Rush, his legacy in the entertainment industry continues to resonate, marking the loss of a cherished figure from a beloved era.
