Dennis Haskins, best known for playing head teacher Mr Belding in the 90s sitcom Saved By The Bell, has died at the age of 75, his agent has confirmed.
Agent pays tribute
His longtime agent, Jay Schachter, described the death as a “tragic loss.” In a tribute, 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 added: “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. I’m heartbroken.”
Career highlights
Haskins appeared in almost 90 episodes of the hit teen sitcom between 1989 and 1992, alongside Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Dustin Diamond, Lark Voorhies, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, Elizabeth Berkley and Mario Lopez. He later reprised the role in the spin-off series Saved By The Bell: The New Class and the TV movie Saved By The Bell: Hawaiian Style.
Fan tributes
Fans paid tribute on X, formerly known as Twitter. One user wrote: “NOOO… America’s Principal for us 90’s kids MR. BELDING HAS DIED AT 75. This one stings.” Another said: “Saved By The Bell raised a lot of kids and taught them incredible life lessons. Dennis Haskins passed yesterday. He was from Chattanooga, TN. Rare fact most people don’t know: before he was Belding he was a music manager and concert promoter. Booked Tom Jones and Gregg Allman. He leaves behind his son Dustin. God Speed Mr. B.”
A further tribute read: “This app can be a rough place. But it’s also how I struck up a friendship with Dennis Haskins. That dude was on the Dukes of Hazzard in his youth and spent the last decade+ appearing at Minor League games & hitting karaoke bars after. He knew a good time. Rest easy, Mr. Belding.”
