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Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Bayside High School principal Richard Belding on the hit sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” has died. He was 75 years old.
Haskins’ rep confirmed his passing to Fox News Digital, saying, “This is a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who knew Dennis loved him even more. He was a wonderful 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. I am heartbroken.”
The cause of his death is currently unknown.
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Dennis Haskins portrayed Principal Belding in “Saved by the Bell,” earning a place in pop culture as a strict but caring school administrator. (Getty Images)
Haskins’ former ‘Saved by the Bell’ co-stars are remembering the actor after his death.
Mario Lopez, who played AC Slater, was among those who paid tribute to Haskins, remembering his former co-star as someone who brought a playful energy to the set despite playing the principal of Bayside High.
“So sorry to hear about my old friend Dennis Haskins. He played the lead, but Dennis was the biggest kid on the SBTB set. If you knew him, you loved him – and if there was karaoke, you knew Dennis took that mic! I’m grateful for the laughs, the memories, and the friendship we shared all those years. Rest easy, my friend. You’ll always be part of our Bayside family,” he wrote in a heartfelt message on social media.
The cast of “Saved by the Bell,” including Lark Voorhies, Ed Alonzo, Tiffani Thiessen, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Dennis Haskins, Elizabeth Berkley, Dustin Diamond and Mario Lopez, are pictured together. (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images)
Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle on the hit sitcom, shared a moving tribute on Instagram, reflecting on her nearly 40-year friendship with Haskins.
Voorhies called him “a fabulous person, a loyal friend and someone with such a kind and gentle heart,” and said she would miss his warmth and laughter.
His tribute highlighted the long-standing bond between the cast members, who remained connected decades after the original series ended.
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Haskins was born on November 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He became one of the most recognizable faces of the “Saved by the Bell” franchise, playing the often exasperated Principal Belding as he tried to keep Zack Morris, played by Mark-Paul Gosselaar, and his fellow Bayside students in line.
Dennis Haskins, the actor who became a familiar face to a generation of television viewers as Bayside High’s steadfast principal, “Mr. Belding” in “Saved by the Bell.” (Gary Null/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images)
His journey as Mr. Belding began before “Saved by the Bell” officially aired on NBC.
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Haskins originated the role in the Disney Channel series “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” which was reworked into “Saved by the Bell.” He continued to play Belding throughout the original series and later reprized the character in “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” extending his career with the beloved lead to over a decade.
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Actor Dennis Haskins poses for a portrait at the Los Angeles pop-up “Saved By the Max” on May 1, 2018, in West Hollywood, California. (Getty Images)
Haskins identified closely with the character, whose frequent “Hey, hey, hey!” The catchphrase became an iconic moment in the series as Principal Belding attempted to subdue Morris and his classmates.
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Her other television credits and appearances include “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “The West Wing,” “7th Heaven,” “Mad Men,” “New Girl,” “Hot in Cleveland” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
Haskins is survived by his son Dustin.
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