Dennis Haskins, recognized for his role as Principal Mr. Belding in the television series "Saved by the Bell," has died at the age of 75. His death was confirmed by a longtime friend and caretaker, as reported by WTVC from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Haskins' agent, Jay Schachter, expressed his sorrow, stating, "It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more. He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED his fans. He always had time for them, no matter what. He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly. I’m heartbroken." The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Dimples Karaoke, a bar in Burbank, California, where Haskins was a frequent patron, shared on Instagram that he had been battling Parkinson’s disease for the past eight years. The post noted that Haskins was private about his health struggles, stating, "He had been silent about his fight with Parkinson’s, among other health concerns, because he did not want the attention. He did not want to have to tell people. He would say, ‘What do I even say?’ So I respected his wishes and stayed quiet, and I helped him through his journey into the next chapter of his life. What a cool and amazing life he had. Rest in peace, Dennis. You were very much loved and will never be forgotten."
Haskins portrayed Principal Richard Belding on "Saved by the Bell" from 1989 to 1993, along with its spinoffs, including "Saved by the Bell: The New Class" from 1993 to 2000. His character became known for the catchphrase, "Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?" as he attempted to manage the antics of students like Zack Morris.
Before his acting career, Haskins attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he was active in campus life, helping to establish the Harlequins theater group and organizing various events. He worked as a music manager and concert promoter prior to acting, representing artists like Tom Jones and Gregg Allman.
Haskins made his television debut in the 1979 pilot of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and gained prominence with his role in "Good Morning, Miss Bliss," which preceded "Saved by the Bell." Over his career, he accumulated more than 100 acting credits, including appearances on shows such as "The West Wing," "Mad Men," and "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia."
In 2009, he released an album titled "Karaoke with Your Favorite Principal Dennis." He is survived by his son, Dustin. Haskins' passing follows the death of his "Saved by the Bell" co-star Dustin Diamond, who died of lung cancer in 2021 at the age of 44.