Dennis Haskins, renowned for his portrayal of principal Richard Belding on the popular sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” has passed away at the age of 75, as confirmed by his agent Jay Schachter in a statement to CBC News.
Expressing deep sorrow, Schachter conveyed, “It is a heartbreaking loss. Mr. Belding was beloved by all, and those who had the privilege of knowing Dennis cherished him even more.” Schachter further shared, “He was a wonderful individual who adored his fans wholeheartedly. He always made time for them, demonstrating unwavering dedication. I had the honor of representing him as a client and treasured friend for over two decades, and his absence will be profoundly felt.”
Haskins gained widespread recognition for his role as the compassionate and endearing principal of Bayside High, known for his iconic catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?” Originally portraying Mr. Belding on Disney Channel’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” the series was later rebranded by NBC as “Saved by the Bell,” airing from 1989 to 1993.
His portrayal of Mr. Belding extended to “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and a memorable sketch on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015, reuniting with former co-stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen. Fondly remembering their time together, fellow cast members have taken to social media to pay tribute to Haskins.
Mario Lopez, who depicted A.C. Slater on the show, expressed his sadness on Instagram, describing Haskins as a cherished friend known for his karaoke enthusiasm and heartwarming camaraderie. Lark Voorhies, who starred as Lisa Turtle alongside Haskins, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, emphasizing their enduring friendship and Haskins’ gentle nature.
Haskins’ career spanned several decades, commencing with an appearance on “The Dukes of Hazzard” in 1979 and encompassing roles in acclaimed productions such as “Mad Men,” “Hot in Cleveland,” “New Girl,” and Seth MacFarlane’s film “A Million Ways to Die in the West.”