Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell,
died at 75 on September 27 from Parkinson’s disease, according to his death certificate. His agent, Jay Schachter, called it a “tragic loss,” noting fans and colleagues alike revered him.
From Chattanooga to TV Stardom: A Career Anchored in Humor and Heart
Haskins, a Chattanooga native, began his career in the 1980s as the stern but beloved principal on Good Morning, Miss Bliss,
a Disney Channel series that later evolved into Saved by the Bell
in 1989. The show, which ran for four seasons on NBC, cemented his role as America’s Favorite Principal.
He reprised the character in Saved by the Bell: The New Class
(1993–2000), becoming a consistent presence in the sitcom’s universe. His catchphrase—Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?
—became a cultural touchstone, blending authority with warmth.
Despite his iconic TV persona, Haskins’ off-screen life was deeply rooted in Chattanooga. He returned to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) in 2015 to complete his bachelor’s degree in theatre, which he had begun in the 1970s. He donated his working scripts from every Saved by the Bell
episode to the UTC Library, a gesture that highlighted his lifelong connection to his hometown. As successful as some have said I’ve been, from the incredible success of ‘Saved by the Bell,’ other quality acting roles, the books I’ve written, and even UTC Distinguished Alumni in 2000, there’s always been something missing for me – my college degree,
he said in a statement on the university website at the time.
He also appeared in films such as A Million Ways to Die in the West
and Trailer Park Shark,
as well as the TV movies Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style
and Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas.
His agent, Jay Schachter, noted that Haskins had more than 90 acting credits, including a 2015 reunion with Saved by the Bell
co-stars on The Tonight Show.
Haskins’ final public appearance was at a Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs game in December 2018, where he was photographed at the Staples Center. Prior to the NBA game, he made multiple appearances in October 2018, including the opening night of A Bronx Tale
and the premiere of Lucha Vavoom: Inside America’s Most Outrageous Show.
These events underscored his enduring presence in entertainment and his connection to live audiences.
Tributes Pour In From Co-Stars and Fans
Colleagues and fans alike mourned Haskins’ passing, with many recalling his generosity and professionalism. Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who played Zack Morris, called him the older brother on set
and praised his genuine respect
for cast and crew. Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, called Haskins a steady presence in my teenage years
and the kind of figure who kept us in line while making sure we knew he was in our corner.
Haskins’ impact extended beyond the screen. Snow added, He was known to most as Mr. Belding from
Saved by the Bell
, but to us, he was much more than that.
Private Struggle with Parkinson’s Disease
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health listed Parkinson’s as the immediate cause of death, with additional conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and hypertension. Haskins’ agent, Jay Schachter, described him as a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED his fans.
Schachter added, 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.
Haskins’ health decline began around eight years before his death, when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. His friend Geoff Ramsey recalled that in his final years, Haskins’ phone calls became fewer and shorter. He didn’t want anyone to know he was suffering,
Ramsey said. He would say, ‘What do I even say?’ So I respected his wishes and stayed quiet.
Haskins died at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank on September 27.
A Legacy of Humor, Humanity, and Home
Haskins’ career spanned decades, with roles in shows like The West Wing,
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,
and How I Met Your Mother.
Yet it was his portrayal of Mr. Belding that defined his public legacy. Fans and co-stars alike emphasized his ability to balance authority with approachability, a trait that resonated across generations.
Haskins also had a passion for music, releasing his debut album, Karaoke With Your Favorite Principal Dennis,
in 2009. He participated in two USO tours for troops in Kosovo, Macedonia, and Bosnia in 2000, and again in 2002 in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, and Kyrgyzstan. His friend Jim Kelly, a Hall of Fame quarterback, praised Haskins as a longtime friend from an entirely different corner of the entertainment world.
As tributes continue to pour in, Haskins’ legacy endures not just as a television icon but as a man who cherished his fans, his hometown, and the craft of acting. His death marks the end of an era for Saved by the Bell
fans, but his impact—both on screen and off—remains a testament to his enduring charm and dedication.