Dennis Haskins, the actor best known as Principal Richard Belding on "Saved by the Bell," has died at 75. His death was first reported by Chattanooga station WTVC, citing a friend and caretaker, and was later confirmed by his longtime agent, Jay Schachter. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Schachter said Haskins "always had time for them, no matter what," referring to his fans. He described Haskins as a client and dear friend of more than 20 years.
Who was Dennis Haskins?
Haskins was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1950 and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He first played Belding on Disney Channel's "Good Morning, Miss Bliss" in 1989, and the role carried over when the show became "Saved by the Bell" on NBC.
How long did he play Mr. Belding?
He appeared in all 86 episodes of the original series, then returned for 143 episodes of "Saved by the Bell: The New Class," which ended in 2000. He later guest-starred on "The West Wing," "7th Heaven," "JAG," "How I Met Your Mother," and "Mad Men." In 2015 he reunited with Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Elizabeth Berkley, and Tiffani Thiessen for a "Tonight Show" sketch.
In 2000, his alma mater honored him with its Most Distinguished Alumni Award, and a regional high school academic decathlon bears his name.
For generations of viewers, Mr. Belding was the principal who was strict but caring.
JubileeCast extends prayers and heartfelt condolences to Haskins' family, friends, and the fans who grew up with him.
