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, as confirmed by his agent Jay Schachter in a statement to CBC News. Schachter expressed deep sorrow over the loss, praising Haskins for his love for his fans and his amicable nature. He described Haskins as a wonderful person who always made time for his supporters. The actor, born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, gained recognition for portraying the caring and just principal of Bayside High, known for his iconic phrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?”
Haskins initially played Mr. Belding on Disney Channel’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” a series later revamped by NBC as “Saved by the Bell,” which aired from 1989 to 1993. He reprised his role in spin-offs like “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and reunited with former castmates Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015.
Fellow actors from the show have taken to social media to express their condolences. Tiffani Thiessen, who portrayed Kelly Kapowski, reminisced about Haskins’ guidance during their teenage years and appreciated the memories they shared. Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, emphasizing Haskins’ enduring friendship and humor. Lark Voorhies, who starred as Lisa Turtle, described Haskins as a loyal friend with a kind heart, expressing her sorrow over his passing.
Haskins’ acting career began with a role in a 1979 episode of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” leading to numerous appearances in popular TV 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.”