Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on the 90s sitcom Saved by the Bell, has died at the age of 75.
His agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the news early on Tuesday morning UK time (September 29). Haskins passed away on Monday, Schachter said.
Agent pays tribute
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Schachter said: “It’s a tragic loss. 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.”
The location and circumstances of Haskins’ death have not been revealed.
Career highlights
Haskins was best known for his 11-year stint portraying Principal Belding on NBC in America. He won fans’ hearts with his tough but fair approach to students at Bayside High School, and was known for his catchphrase: “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?”
He helped Saved by the Bell become a hit of Saturday morning TV for teenagers in the early 90s. When NBC executives ended the original show as the cast aged, Haskins reprised his role in the spin-off, Saved by the Bell: The New Class.
He stayed on screens from 1993 to 2000, and made a cameo on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in 2015 with some of his original castmates. Haskins also appeared in shows including The Dukes of Hazzard, Magnum P.I., Mad Men, and The West Wing.
