Dennis Haskins, best known for his role as Principal Richard Belding on the long-running series 'Saved by the Bell,' has died at age 75.
Key facts
- •Dennis Haskins died at age 75, as confirmed by his agent, Jay Schachter.
- •He played Principal Richard Belding across multiple iterations of the Saved by the Bell franchise for over a decade.
- •His onscreen career began in 1979 with an appearance on The Dukes of Hazzard.
- •Haskins participated in several USO tours to support troops in the early 2000s.
- •He was a frequent patron of the former Burbank bar Dimples, where he was known for singing and interacting with fans.
Actor Dennis Haskins, widely recognized for his portrayal of Principal Richard Belding on the television series Saved by the Bell, has died at 75. His longtime agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the news, describing Haskins as a dear friend and a dedicated performer who deeply valued his fans. No cause of death or further details have been released.
A Career Defined by Mr. Belding
Haskins first portrayed Principal Belding in the 1988 Disney Channel series Good Morning, Miss Bliss. Following the show's retooling into Saved by the Bell, he continued the role on NBC from 1989 to 1993. He later reprised the character for the spinoff Saved by the Bell: The New Class, which aired from 1993 to 2000, and appeared in the TV movie Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style. In 2015, he reunited with several original cast members for a sketch on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Extensive Acting and Public Work
Beyond his signature role, Haskins appeared in numerous television shows and films, including The Dukes of Hazzard, Mad Men, New Girl, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and A Million Ways to Die in the West. Outside of acting, he participated in multiple USO tours between 2000 and 2002, visiting troops in countries including Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. He was also an alumnus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he was honored with the Most Distinguished Alumni Award in 2000.
Timeline
- 1979Haskins made his onscreen debut in an episode of The Dukes of Hazzard.
- 1988He began playing Principal Richard Belding in the series Good Morning, Miss Bliss.
- 1993-2000Haskins starred in the spinoff series Saved by the Bell: The New Class.
- February 2015He reunited with original Saved by the Bell cast members for a sketch on The Tonight Show.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, Variety.
