Dennis Haskins, famous for his role as principal Richard Belding on the popular TV show “Saved by the Bell,” has passed away at the age of 75. Jay Schachter, his agent, confirmed the sad news in a statement to CBC News, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. Schachter praised Haskins as a wonderful person who adored his fans and always made time for them. The actor, hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, gained recognition for portraying the caring and just principal of Bayside High, known for his iconic catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?”
Haskins initially portrayed Mr. Belding on Disney Channel’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss” before the show was revamped and became “Saved by the Bell,” which aired from 1989 to 1993. He reprised his role in subsequent series, including “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and a special sketch on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015, alongside former cast members Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen.
Members of the cast have taken to social media to express their grief and share memories of Haskins. Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, described him as a guiding figure during her teenage years, while Lopez, who portrayed A.C. Slater, recalled their shared laughter and friendship. Lark Voorhies, who starred as Lisa Turtle, expressed her sorrow at losing a dear friend of nearly four decades, highlighting Haskins’ kind and gentle nature.
Haskins’ acting career spanned several decades, with appearances in various popular shows like “Mad Men,” “Hot in Cleveland,” and “New Girl,” as well as a role in Seth MacFarlane’s movie “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” His onscreen journey began in 1979 with an episode of “The Dukes of Hazzard.”