The cause of death for Saved by the Bell star Dennis Haskins has been confirmed as Parkinson's disease, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The actor, who played Principal Belding in the US sitcom, died on September 25 at the age of 75.
His agent described his death as a 'tragic loss'. TMZ reported that the death certificate also listed irritable bowel syndrome, depression, hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia as significant conditions.
Diagnosis kept secret
Haskins had been staying at an assisted living facility and did not disclose his diagnosis to anyone, including those in his inner circle. His ex-wife Sarah Quinones told the outlet he had 'cut off communication with close confidants' in recent years to hide his condition.
His agent, Jay Schachter, announced his death last week with an emotional tribute to his 'dear friend'. Schachter said: 'Everyone loved Mr Belding, and those of us who got to know Dennis loved him even more. He was a great person, and he loved, I mean, absolutely LOVED his fans. He always had time for them, no matter what. He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly.'
Career highlights
Haskins was best known for Saved by the Bell, which he starred in from 1989 to 1993, and reprised his role for the sequel Saved by the Bell: The New Class from 1993 until 2000. Over the years, he brought back the character for cameos in series such as Victorious, Robot Chicken, and The Tonight Show.
His breakthrough role was in the 1970s series The Dukes of Hazzard, which ran from 1979 to 1985, in which he appeared as Elmo Smith. The veteran actor also appeared in dozens of other TV series throughout the 2000s, including Mad Men, How I Met Your Mother, and New Girl.
Haskins' last on-screen role was in the 2020 Christmas film A Bennett Song Holiday, a sequel to 2018's Bennett's Song.
Tributes from co-stars
Mario Lopez paid tribute to the late actor, writing: 'Heartbroken to hear about my old friend Dennis Haskins. He played the principal, but Dennis was the biggest kid on the SBTB set. If you knew him, you loved him—and if there was karaoke, you knew Dennis was getting on that mic!'
He added: 'I'm grateful for the laughs, the memories, and the friendship we shared all these years. Rest easy, my friend. You'll always be part of our Bayside family. ❤️'
Lark Voorhies also penned: 'We shared so much history together from our earliest days, and through it all, he remained a fabulous person, a loyal friend, and someone with such a kind, gentle heart. I am truly heartbroken by his passing and will miss his warmth and laughter more than words can say. Rest in peace Dennis, you will always hold a special place in my heart.'
She said the loss of her co-star 'hurt deeply', having known each other for over 40 years.
