Dennis Haskins, who played Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, died at 75, his agent confirmed.
Dennis Haskins, best known for his role as Principal Richard Belding on the iconic 1990s sitcom Saved by the Bell, has died at 75, according to his agent, Jay Schachter. It’s a tragic loss,
Schachter said. 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.
From Bayside High to Broadway
Dennis Haskins, Principal Belding on ‘Saved by the Bell
Haskins’ career began in 1979 with a guest spot on The Dukes of Hazzard, but he became a household name as the stern yet lovable principal of Bayside High. His portrayal of Belding started on Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which rebranded as Saved by the Bell in 1989. The show ran until 1993, with Haskins reprising the role in Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1993–2000) and a 2015 sketch on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Haskins’ career extended beyond the sitcom, including appearances on How I Met Your Mother, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Mad Men.
A Man of Many Talents
Haskins was born on Nov. 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, and attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Notre Dame High School, and UTC, where he served as Student Government Association entertainment chairman. He was a founding member of the Harlequins community theater group, where he acted, worked as a stage manager, and wrote original plays. In 1973, he helped bring Ike and Tina Turner to UTC, and through Blue Key, he organized the annual Freaks vs. Fuzz basketball game, which raised scholarship money for the children of UTC and Chattanooga police officers.
Saved by the Bell star Dennis Haskins who played
Haskins also flew with the Blue Angels, showcasing his passion for aviation. Regulars at Dimples Karaoke in Chattanooga described him as a beloved figure who enjoyed singing for people, meeting them, and taking selfies with his fans. The venue, which closed down about 11 years ago, remains a cherished memory for locals who associated him with his “second home.”
Newschannel9 revealed that Haskins battled Parkinson’s disease in his final years, though he kept his health struggles private. He became ill about eight years ago, and did not want to publicize his condition. He would say, ‘What do I even say?’
a Dimples Karaoke representative said. So I respected his wishes and stayed quiet, and I helped him through his journey into the next chapter of his life.
Legacy of a Beloved Character
Haskins’ portrayal of Mr. Belding cemented his status as America’s Favorite Principal, a nickname that followed him throughout his career. His performance resonated across generations, with fans recalling how the character’s mix of authority and warmth made him a comforting presence on screen. The actor’s final public appearance was a 2015 reunion with co-stars on The Tonight Show, where he reunited with Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez and Tiffani Thiessen.
Haskins appeared at an NBA game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers on December 29, 2018, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA, as reported by a photo caption. The cause of his death remains unspecified, though his friend and caretaker confirmed he had Parkinson’s. No official statement has been released regarding the exact cause of death.
Unanswered Questions
Despite the outpouring of tributes, one question remains unresolved: the exact cause of Haskins’ death. While Newschannel9 reported he had Parkinson’s, no official statement has been released. This gap in the record leaves fans and colleagues seeking closure, but his legacy as a multifaceted artist and community figure endures.