Dennis Haskins, best known for portraying Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, has died at the age of 75.
His agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the passing to Deadline, stating, “It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding, and those of us who knew Dennis loved him even more. He was a wonderful person who adored his fans.”
“He always made time for them, no matter what. He was my client and dear friend for over two decades, and I will miss him terribly. I’m heartbroken,” Schachter added.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Haskins first appeared as Principal Richard Belding in the Disney Channel series Good Morning, Miss Bliss in 1989. The show was later retooled as Saved by the Bell on NBC, where he continued in the role for four seasons. He reprised the character for Saved by the Bell: The New Class beginning in 1993, remaining on the show for seven additional seasons until its conclusion in 2000.
Haskins’ additional credits included Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, Malibu, CA, The Practice, The West Wing, The Rerun Show, The Stoneman, 7th Heaven, Going Down, Red Water, Tangy Guacamole, An Ordinary Killer, JAG, Dead End Road, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Men of a Certain Age, The Bold and the Beautiful, Victorious, Mad Men, Emerald Acres, How I Met Your Mother, Destroy the Alpha Gammas, New Girl, Hot in Cleveland, This Isn’t Working, Bill Nye Saves the World, Abstruse, Enigma, and A Bennett Song Holiday, among many others.