Beloved actor 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. Schachter expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing Haskins’ affection for his fans and his amiable nature. The actor, hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, gained recognition for portraying the caring principal of Bayside High, known for his iconic phrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?”
Haskins initially portrayed Mr. Belding on Disney Channel’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” which later evolved into the renowned series “Saved by the Bell” airing from 1989 to 1993. He continued his role in “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and reunited with former co-stars on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015. Colleagues like Mario Lopez, Elizabeth Berkley, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, and Tiffani Thiessen have expressed their grief on social media, reminiscing about their time working with Haskins.
Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater on the show, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, highlighting Haskins’ presence in their lives and the enduring friendship they shared. Lark Voorhies, who acted alongside Haskins, described their close bond of nearly four decades as a cherished blessing, reflecting on his kindness and gentle spirit. Haskins’ acting career spanned several decades, with appearances in popular TV series like “Mad Men,” “Hot in Cleveland,” “New Girl,” and Seth MacFarlane’s film “A Million Ways to Die in the West.”
