Actor Dennis Haskins, known for playing Principal Belding, dies at 75
Dennis Haskins, who portrayed Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, died at age 75, according to his agent.
Dennis Haskins, best known for his role as Principal Richard Belding on the television series Saved by the Bell, died at the age of 75, his agent Jay Schachter said in a statement. Details about the cause of death were not released.
"It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding, and those of us who got to know Dennis loved him even more," Schachter added. "He was a great person, and he 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."
Haskins first appeared as Belding on the Disney Channel series Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which was retooled into Saved by the Bell and aired from 1989 to 1993. He continued the role on Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1993-2000) and returned for a 2015 sketch on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon alongside original cast members.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins began his screen career in 1979 with an episode of The Dukes of Hazzard. Over the decades he appeared in films and series such as A Million Ways to Die in the West, Mad Men, Hot in Cleveland, New Girl, I’m Dying Up Here, Robot Chicken and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He also performed as a musician, participating in USO tours for troops in the early 2000s and receiving the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Most Distinguished Alumni Award in 2000. He is survived by his son, Dustin.