Dennis Haskins, famous for his role as principal Richard Belding on the popular TV series “Saved by the Bell,” has passed away at the age of 75, confirmed by his agent, Jay Schachter. Describing it as a tragic loss, Schachter expressed deep affection for Haskins, highlighting his love for his fans and dedication to his role.
Haskins gained widespread recognition as Mr. Belding, the caring and just principal of Bayside High School, known for his iconic catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?” Originally appearing in the show “Good Morning, Miss Bliss” on the Disney Channel, the character transitioned to the NBC series “Saved by the Bell,” which aired from 1989 to 1993. Haskins continued his portrayal of Mr. Belding in spin-off series like “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and in a memorable sketch on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” alongside former co-stars in 2015.
Fellow cast members, including Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen, have taken to social media to express their grief and share heartfelt tributes to Haskins. Thiessen remembered him as a guiding figure during her teenage years, emphasizing his kindness and the cherished memories they shared. Lopez, in his tribute, highlighted Haskins’ love for karaoke and their enduring friendship. Lark Voorhies, who worked with Haskins for nearly four decades, described him as a dear friend with a gentle heart, expressing her sorrow over his passing.
Haskins’ acting career began in 1979 with an appearance on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” leading to a successful journey in television and film. Apart from “Saved by the Bell,” he featured in popular shows like “Mad Men,” “Hot in Cleveland,” and “New Girl,” along with a role in Seth MacFarlane’s movie “A Million Ways to Die in the West.”