Actor Dennis Haskins, best known for portraying Principal Richard Belding on the iconic 1990s sitcom Saved by the Bell, has died at the age of 75, his agent confirmed on September 29, 2026. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and further details about the circumstances surrounding his passing remain undisclosed.
Haskins’ longtime agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the news in a statement to multiple outlets, calling the loss "a tragic loss." Schachter added, "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."
Haskins’ career and legacy
Haskins, born November 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, began his acting career in the late 1970s with appearances on television series such as The Dukes of Hazzard and Magnum, P.I. His breakthrough role came in 1988 when he portrayed Principal Belding on Good Morning, Miss Bliss, a Disney Channel series that was later rebranded as Saved by the Bell and aired on NBC from 1989 to 1993. The show became a cultural touchstone for a generation, chronicling the antics of students at Bayside High School in Southern California.
Haskins reprised his role as Principal Belding in the spin-off series Saved by the Bell: The New Class, which aired from 1993 to 2000. He also made a cameo appearance in a 2015 sketch on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon alongside original cast members, including Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen. His character was known for his signature catchphrase, "Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?", as he attempted to maintain order amid the chaos of Zack Morris and his peers.
Beyond Saved by the Bell, Haskins appeared in numerous television shows and films, including Mad Men, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Twilight Zone, and Hot in Cleveland. He also worked as a music manager early in his career, representing artists such as Tom Jones and Gregg Allman.
Tributes and personal reflections
Following the announcement of Haskins’ death, tributes poured in from former co-stars and fans. Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle on Saved by the Bell, shared a message on social media, expressing her grief and admiration for Haskins. His agent, Schachter, described him as a devoted friend and mentor, stating, "He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly. I’m heartbroken."
A close friend and former caretaker, Kimberly Snow, shared additional details about Haskins’ later years in a social media post. Snow confirmed that Haskins had quietly battled Parkinson’s disease and other health issues for approximately eight years but chose to keep his struggles private. Snow wrote, "He did not want the attention. 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."
Haskins died at 11 p.m. on September 28, 2026, at a Burbank assisted living facility, according to Snow. She described him as a beloved figure not only for his role as Mr. Belding but also for his presence in the community, particularly at Dimples Karaoke in Burbank, where he was a frequent visitor and performer.
Career highlights and contributions
Haskins’ career spanned more than four decades, during which he became one of the most recognizable faces of the Saved by the Bell franchise. His portrayal of Principal Belding was defined by a blend of authority and warmth, making him a fan favorite. In addition to his television work, Haskins contributed to theater productions, including serving as a founding member of the Harlequins theater group at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he studied and was active in student government and journalism.
His passing marks the end of an era for fans of Saved by the Bell, a series that has seen a resurgence in popularity through reboots and nostalgic revivals. Haskins’ legacy endures as a symbol of the show’s enduring appeal and the impact of his character on generations of viewers.