Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on the hit 1990s sitcom Saved by the Bell, has died at the age of 75.
Haskins’ death was confirmed by his longtime agent, Jay Schachter, who described the loss as tragic and remembered the actor for his close relationship with fans.
“It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more,” Schachter said. He added that Haskins “loved” his fans and always made time for them.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins began his career with television appearances before landing the role that would define his career. He first portrayed Belding in Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which was later reworked into Saved by the Bell.
He appeared throughout the original series, which ran from 1989 to 1993, and later reprised the character in Saved by the Bell: The New Class, which ran from 1993 to 2000.
Beyond the franchise, Haskins appeared in numerous television productions, including The Dukes of Hazzard, Magnum, P.I., 7th Heaven, Hot in Cleveland and Mad Men.
His cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Reports said he had privately dealt with Parkinson’s disease in recent years.
