Dennis Haskins Obituary, Cause of Death – Saved by the Bell Star Dies at 75

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, has died at the age of 75. His death was confirmed by his longtime friend and caretaker and by his agent, Jay Schachter.

Haskins became widely known for his portrayal of Mr. Belding, the principal of Bayside High School, beginning with Good Morning, Miss Bliss before the series was reworked as Saved by the Bell. He continued playing the character throughout the original series and later reprised the role in other productions in the franchise.

For generations of television viewers, Haskins’ portrayal of Principal Belding became closely associated with the 1990s sitcom. His character combined authority with humor and became one of the show’s most recognizable figures.

Haskins’ acting career extended well beyond Saved by the Bell. His television credits included appearances on The Dukes of Hazzard, 7th Heaven, Hot in Cleveland, The West Wing, Mad Men, How I Met Your Mother, and New Girl, among numerous other productions.

A Chattanooga native, Haskins also maintained ties to his hometown. He received the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Most Distinguished Alumni award in 2000, and a regional high school academic decathlon was named the Dennis Haskins Open.

Cause of Death

The cause of Dennis Haskins’ death has not been officially released. ABC News and other reports confirmed his passing through his agent and representatives but reported that no cause of death had been announced.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Haskins died Sunday night at an assisted-living facility in Burbank, California, at approximately 11 p.m., according to his longtime caretaker. The report also noted that he had privately dealt with Parkinson’s disease, but that condition has not been identified as his cause of death.

News of Haskins’ death has prompted tributes from fans and colleagues who connected him closely with one of television’s enduring sitcom characters. His agent described the loss as tragic and said Haskins deeply appreciated his fans.

Further information about funeral or memorial arrangements may be released by his family or representatives.

Condolences go to Dennis Haskins’ family, friends, colleagues, and the many viewers who knew him through his work on television.