Dennis Haskins, the actor who played Principal Richard Belding on the hit sitcom Saved by the Bell, died on Sunday night at the age of 75. His agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the death on Monday.
Schachter said in a statement that Haskins died in a Burbank assisted living facility around 11 p.m. A cause of death was not disclosed, but Haskins had privately battled Parkinson’s disease for about eight years.
Haskins was best known for his role as the firm but fair principal of the fictional Bayside High School. He played the character across multiple series for more than a decade.
Agent Confirms Death
Schachter described Haskins’ death as a tragic loss. He said the actor loved his fans and always made time for them.
‘It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more,’ Schachter said. ‘He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED his fans. 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.’
A friend and longtime caretaker, Kimberly Snow, also confirmed the death. She shared the news on Instagram and said Haskins had been silent about his health struggles because he did not want the attention.
A Career Spanning Decades
Haskins was born on Nov. 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he was active in the drama club and helped found a theater group.
Before his acting career, Haskins worked as a music manager and concert promoter. His clients included Tom Jones and Gregg Allman, according to his IMDb biography.
He made his onscreen debut in 1979 on an episode of The Dukes of Hazzard. He went on to appear in shows such as Magnum, P.I., The Twilight Zone, and Knots Landing.
Haskins first played Principal Belding on the Disney Channel show Good Morning, Miss Bliss in 1988. The show was retooled and became Saved by the Bell on NBC, which ran from 1989 to 1993.
He continued the role in Saved by the Bell: The New Class from 1993 to 2000. He also appeared in the TV movies Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style and Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas.
In later years, Haskins had guest roles on Mad Men, The West Wing, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and How I Met Your Mother. In 2015, he reunited with several original cast members for a sketch on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Co-Stars and Friends Pay Tribute
Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle on Saved by the Bell, posted a tribute to Haskins on Instagram. She said she was heartbroken.
‘Knowing Dennis Haskins for almost 40 years has been one of the truest blessings of my life, which makes losing him hurt so deeply,’ Voorhies wrote. ‘We shared so much history together from our earliest days, and through it all, he remained a fabulous person, a loyal friend, and someone with such a kind, gentle heart. I am truly heartbroken by his passing and will miss his warmth and laughter more than words can say. Rest in peace Dennis, you will always hold a special place in my heart.’
Dimples Karaoke, a Burbank bar where Haskins was a regular, also posted a tribute on Instagram. The bar said he was a staple of the place and many patrons thought he owned it.
‘He just loved the place and its people. He enjoyed singing for people, meeting them, and taking selfies with his fans,’ the post read. ‘Dimples closed down about 11 years ago, and people still associate him with his beloved second home.’
The post added that Haskins became ill about eight years ago and that he kept his fight with Parkinson’s private. ‘Late last night, that journey ended for him. He is now at peace and is probably entertaining the people in the sky,’ the post said.
Later Life and Health
Haskins spent his final years in an assisted living facility in Burbank, California. His ex-wife, Sarah Quinones, told TMZ that he stayed private about his health and cut off communication with close friends and confidantes.
He is survived by his son, Dustin Haskins. His official cause and manner of death have not been released.
Haskins was honored with the Most Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2000.