Dennis Haskins, the veteran actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on “Saved by the Bell,” has died at the age of 75.
Haskins died Sunday in Burbank, California.
His cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Haskins’ agent, Jay Schachter, remembered him as both a beloved performer and a man who deeply appreciated the fans who supported him throughout his career.
“It’s a tragic loss,” Schachter said.
He added that while audiences loved Mr. Belding, those who knew Haskins personally loved him even more.
Schachter said Haskins always made time for fans and never lost his enthusiasm for the role that made him famous.
Haskins’ friend and caretaker, Kimberly Snow, said the actor had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease eight years ago.
She said he had been living in an assisted care facility.
News of his death prompted tributes from former co-stars, including Lark Voorhies.
Voorhies said knowing Haskins for nearly 40 years had been one of the great blessings of her life.
She described him as a loyal friend with a kind and gentle heart.
Voorhies said she would miss his warmth and laughter and that he would always hold a special place in her heart.
Haskins was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1950.
He built a lengthy television career before becoming permanently associated with Bayside High.
His early television credits included appearances on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “Magnum, P.I.” and “The Twilight Zone.”
Haskins first played Principal Belding on the Disney Channel series “Good Morning, Miss Bliss.”
That show aired from 1988 to 1989.
When the concept was reworked into NBC’s “Saved by the Bell,” Haskins remained with the series.
He became one of the show’s most recognizable characters during its run from 1989 to 1993.
His character became known for the catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?”
Haskins later returned to the role in “Saved by the Bell: The New Class.”
He also appeared in the television movies “Hawaiian Style” and “Wedding in Las Vegas.”
Haskins made one final appearance as Principal Belding in 2015.
He joined several members of the original cast for a “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” sketch.
The reunion included Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez and Tiffani Thiessen, per Trending Politics.
Haskins continued working outside the “Saved by the Bell” franchise as well.
His later television credits included appearances on “The West Wing,” “Mad Men,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “New Girl” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
He also appeared in music videos and remained active at conventions and fan events.
Haskins continued embracing his connection to Mr. Belding long after the original series ended.
“Saved by the Bell” went on to help launch the careers of several of its young stars.
The franchise was later revived by Peacock in 2020, though Haskins did not appear in the reboot.
His death marks another loss for the original cast following the 2021 death of Dustin Diamond, who played Samuel “Screech” Powers.
For generations of viewers, Haskins will remain closely associated with Bayside High and the principal who spent years trying to keep Zack Morris and his classmates under control.
Dennis Haskins was 75.
