The cause of death of Dennis Haskins, an actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding in the “Saved by the Bell” franchises, has been revealed.
Haskins’ friend and longtime caregiver, Kimberly Snow, confirmed the actor’s death on Sept. 27 and told the Times that Haskins had quietly battled Parkinson’s disease and was outspoken about other health issues. The actor died at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cited Parkinson’s disease as the immediate cause of the actor’s death.
according to his death certificate obtained by TMZ. Irritable bowel syndrome, depression, hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia were also among the health issues Haskins battled.
Snow, former manager of the since-closed Dimples Karaoke in Burbank, shared the news of the actor’s death on Instagram, writing that Haskins was a fixture at the restaurant, so much so that many customers thought he owned it.
“A lot of people thought he owned it, but he didn’t,” the tribute reads. “He loved the place and its people. He loved singing for people, meeting them and taking selfies with his fans. Dimples closed about 11 years ago and people still associate it with his beloved ‘home away from home.’ He was known to most as Mr. Belding from Saved by the Bell, but to us he was much more than that.
“About eight years ago he became ill,” the post continued. “He had kept quiet about his battle with Parkinson’s disease, among other health problems, because he didn’t want the attention. He didn’t want to have to tell people. He was like, ‘What am I saying?’ So I respected his wishes and stayed quiet, and helped him along his journey to the next chapter of his life.
“Late last night, this journey ended for him.”
The actor played Mr. Belding in seven series, including “Hello, Miss Bliss,” “Saved by the Bell,” “Saved by the Bell: College Years,” “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” “The Rerun,” “Robot Chicken” and “Victorious.”
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