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 cherished his fans and always made time for them, emphasizing their 20-year professional relationship and friendship.
Haskins gained widespread recognition for portraying the affectionate and just principal of Bayside High, known for his iconic catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?” Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, the actor first brought Mr. Belding to life on Disney Channel’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” which later evolved into the NBC series “Saved by the Bell” airing from 1989 to 1993.
He continued his role as Mr. Belding in “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and reunited with former castmates Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen for a memorable sketch on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015, receiving warm tributes from his co-stars on social media.
Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski on the show, expressed her gratitude for Haskins’ guidance during her teenage years and shared fond memories of their time together. Lopez, known for his role as A.C. Slater, also honored his old friend with heartfelt words, reminiscing about the laughter and camaraderie they shared over the years.
Lark Voorhies, who portrayed Lisa Turtle alongside Haskins, described their nearly four-decade friendship as a cherished blessing, highlighting his genuine kindness and unwavering friendship throughout the years. The actor made his screen debut in 1979 on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” marking the beginning of a successful career in television and film.
Throughout his career, Haskins appeared in various popular TV shows such as “Mad Men,” “Hot in Cleveland,” and “New Girl,” as well as in Seth MacFarlane’s movie “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” His versatile talent and memorable performances have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
