Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Bayside High School Principal Richard Belding on the hit sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” has died. He was 75.
Haskins’ representative confirmed his death to Fox News Digital, saying, “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.”
His cause of death is currently unknown.
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Haskins’ former “Saved by the Bell” co-stars are remembering the actor following his death.
Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater, was among those to pay tribute to Haskins, remembering his former co-star as someone who brought a playful energy to the set despite portraying Bayside High’s principal.
“Heartbroken to hear about my old friend Dennis Haskins. He played the principal, but Dennis was the biggest kid on the SBTB set. If you knew him, you loved him—and if there was karaoke, you knew Dennis was getting on that mic! I’m grateful for the laughs, the memories, and the friendship we shared all these years. Rest easy, my friend. You’ll always be part of our Bayside family,” he wrote in a heartfelt social media post.
Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, also shared memories of Haskins, on Instagram.
“Dennis Haskins was a steady presence in my teenage years, the kind of figure who kept us in line while making sure we knew he was in our corner. I will always remember his kindness and be grateful for the memories we as a cast got to share with him. RIP Mr. B”
Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle on the hit sitcom, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, reflecting on her nearly 40-year friendship with Haskins.
Voorhies called him a “fabulous person, a loyal friend, and someone with such a kind, gentle heart,” and said she would miss his warmth and laughter.
Her tribute highlighted the longtime bond between the cast members, who remained connected decades after the original series ended.
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Haskins was born Nov. 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He became one of the most recognizable faces of the “Saved by the Bell” franchise, portraying the often-exasperated Principal Belding as he tried to keep Zack Morris, portrayed by Mark-Paul Gosselaar, and his fellow Bayside students in line.
His journey as Mr. Belding began before “Saved by the Bell” officially hit NBC.
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Haskins originated the role on the Disney Channel series “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” which was reworked into “Saved by the Bell.” He continued playing Belding throughout the original series and later reprised the character on “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” extending his run with the beloved principal across more than a decade.
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Haskins became closely identified with the character, whose frequent “Hey, hey, hey!” catchphrase became a signature moment of the series as Principal Belding attempted to rein in Morris and his classmates.
His other TV credits and appearances included “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “The West Wing,” “7th Heaven,” “Mad Men,” “New Girl,” “Hot in Cleveland” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
Haskins is survived by son Dustin.
