Dennis Haskins, famous for his role as 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. Schachter expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting Haskins’ endearing portrayal of Mr. Belding and his genuine affection for his fans.
Haskins, a well-known figure on screen, portrayed the beloved and fair principal of Bayside High, known for his iconic catchphrase “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?” The actor originally brought Mr. Belding to life on Disney Channel’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” which later evolved into the NBC series “Saved by the Bell,” running from 1989 to 1993.
Throughout his career, Haskins reprised his role in various spin-offs of the show and even reunited with former co-stars on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015. His colleagues, including Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen, have taken to social media to express their admiration and share cherished memories of working with him.
Lopez, who played A.C. Slater on the show, paid tribute to Haskins on Instagram, reminiscing about their shared experiences and friendship. Similarly, Voorhies, who portrayed Lisa Turtle, described their nearly 40-year friendship as a significant blessing, emphasizing Haskins’ genuine personality and kind heart.
Haskins’ acting career spanned several decades, with appearances in notable productions such as “Mad Men,” “Hot in Cleveland,” “New Girl,” and Seth MacFarlane’s film “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” His debut onscreen role in a 1979 episode of “The Dukes of Hazzard” marked the beginning of a successful journey in television and film.