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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.
Haskins’ representative confirmed his death to Fox News Digital, saying, “It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis loved him even more. 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. I’m heartbroken.”
His cause of death is currently unknown.
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Dennis Haskins portrayed Principal Belding throughout “Saved by the Bell,” earning a place in pop culture as the strict but caring school administrator. (Getty Images)
Haskins was born Nov. 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He became one of the most recognizable faces of the “Saved by the Bell” franchise, portraying the often-exasperated Principal Belding as he tried to keep Zack Morris, portrayed by Mark-Paul Gosselaar, and his fellow Bayside students in line.
His journey as Mr. Belding began before “Saved by the Bell” officially hit NBC.
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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, is pictured together. (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images)
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Haskins originated the role on the Disney Channel series “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” which was reworked into “Saved by the Bell.” He continued playing Belding throughout the original series and later reprised the character on “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” extending his run with the beloved principal across more than a decade.
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Actor Dennis Haskins poses for a portrait at the “Saved By the Max” Los Angeles pop-up on May 1, 2018, in West Hollywood, California. (Getty Images)
Haskins became closely identified with the character, whose frequent “Hey, hey, hey!” catchphrase became a signature moment of the series as Principal Belding attempted to rein in Morris and his classmates.
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His other TV credits and appearances included “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 son Dustin.