Dennis Haskins, the actor beloved for portraying Principal Richard Belding on the hit sitcom Saved by the Bell, has died at 75.
Haskins’ agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the news in a statement to TMZ on Monday. “It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding, and those of us who got to know Dennis loved him even more,” Schachter said. “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,” Schachter added.
The cause of Haskins’ death was not immediately disclosed.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins first played Principal Belding on the Disney Channel series Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which ran from 1988 to 1989.
The series was later reworked as Saved by the Bell, airing on NBC from 1989 to 1993. Haskins continued in the role on Saved by the Bell: The New Class, which ran from 1993 through 2000.
Our News Outlet has contacted Haskins’ representatives for additional comment.
Dennis Haskins, best known as Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, has died at 75. He is pictured in Los Angeles in 2018.
Haskins appeared in a 1990 episode of Saved by the Bell.
Haskins returned to the character in February 2015 for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, appearing in a sketch alongside original cast members Elizabeth Berkley, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez and Tiffani Thiessen.
His other television credits included Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, Hot in Cleveland, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Mad Men.
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On the big screen, Haskins appeared in films including A Million Ways to Die in the West in 2014, Trailer Park Shark in 2017 and Abstruse in 2019.
According to Chattanooga’s News Channel 9, Haskins attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Notre Dame High School before going to college.
He later studied at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he played one season on the basketball team.
In 2000, the university honored him with its Most Distinguished Alumni Award.
During his college years, Haskins worked on the student newspaper and took part in the drama club, student government, Blue Key Honor Fraternity and Raven’s Society.
The Chattanooga native first portrayed Principal Belding on Disney Channel’s Good Morning, Miss Bliss from 1988 to 1989.
Haskins attended an event at Los Angeles’ Ahmanson Theatre in November 2017.
Haskins also co-founded the community theater group Harlequins, taking on several roles within the organization, according to the television station. Alongside acting, he worked as a stage manager and playwright.
As the university’s student entertainment chairman, he organized a series of events, including a 1973 performance by the late music duo Ike and Tina Turner.
Haskins had been involved in tours for the USO decades back, entertaining troops in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Macedonia; and in 2002 in Afghanistan, Oman, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The actor is survived by son Dustin.
