‘Saved By The Bell’ actor Dennis Haskins dies, aged 75

Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for his performance as Mr. Belding in beloved ‘90s show Saved By The Bell, has died aged 75.

Variety reported that Haskins’ agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the news to the outlet on Monday (September 28). Further details, such as cause of death, have yet to be disclosed.

In a statement, he described the death as “a tragic loss,” adding: “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.”

Local news channel WTVC quoted a post by Dimples, a karaoke bar frequented by the actor, who claimed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease around eight years prior to his death.

After appearing in small roles in TV shows such as The Dukes Of Hazzard, Haskins would play the part of school Principal Richard Belding, the comedic authority figure of teen sitcom Saved By The Bell, from 1989 to 1993. The show gained a cult following and led to many spin-offs, including Saved By The Bell: The College Years, Saved By The Bell: The New Class, and various TV specials.

Haskins would appear as Belding in all of the spin-offs, including all seven seasons of The New Class between 1993 and 2000. He was, however, absent from the 2020 reboot of the show.

In later years the actor would gain a cult following due to his association with the show, appearing on talk shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and recoding a covers album titled ‘Karaoke with Your Favourite Principal Dennis.’

Dennis Haskins’ other credits include appearances on the TV shows The West Wing, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, and New Girl, as well as films such as A Million Ways To Die In The West and the BAFTA-nominated drama Clemency.