Movies & TV / News
Saved by the Bell Icon Dennis Haskins Passes Away at 75
Image Credit: NBCUniversal
As mentioned earlier, actor Dennis Haskins, best known for his iconic role as the principal of Bayside High School, Principal Richard Belding, in the Saved by the Bell franchise, passed away last Saturday (Sept. 26). Per The Hollywood Reporter, Haskins’ agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the news of Haskins’ passing. He was 75 years old.
Haskins’ cause of death was not disclosed. However, he was previously diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Schachter said in a statement, “It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding, and those of us who got to know Dennis loved him even more.” He continued, “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.”
Haskins debuted as the Principal Belding character on Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which ran for one season on the Disney Channel. It was later retooled and became Saved by the Bell, running on NBC from 1989 to 93 for 86 episodes. He also appeared in the two tie-in movies, Hawaiian Style and Wedding in Las Vegas, and he guest-starred in the sequel series The College Years.
Haskins reprised the Principal Belding role in Saved by the Bell: The New Class, which ran on NBC from 1993 to 2000 for 143 episodes, more than the original series.
Haskins reunited with his original co-stars for a sketch on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2015, which included the original sitcom’s stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez and Tiffani Thiessen.
Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, the actor had a decades-long career across movies and TV. He made his television debut, appearing in an episode of The Dukes of Hazzard on CBS in 1979.
Some of his other roles included Seth MacFarlane’s A Million Ways to Die in the West, Mad Men, Hot in Cleveland, and New Girl. He also appeared in the Showtime series I’m Dying Up Here, Robot Chicken, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
In addition to his acting work, Dennis Haskins was a musician, performing in USO tours for the troops in 2000 and 2002. He also once flew with the Blue Angels. He is survived by his younger brother.
