Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Bayside High School Principal Richard Belding on the hit sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” has died at 75. His representative confirmed [1] the death to Fox News Digital.
Haskins’ representative 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. I’m heartbroken.”
News of his death prompted emotional remembrances from his former “Saved by the Bell” co-stars.
Their tributes recalled a warm and playful man whose personality extended far beyond his familiar role as Bayside High’s principal.
Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater, was among those honoring Haskins. Lopez remembered his former costar as someone who brought playful energy to the set, despite portraying the school’s principal.
“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! 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,” Lopez wrote in a social media post.
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Lark Voorhies, who portrayed Lisa Turtle, also shared an emotional tribute on Instagram. She reflected on a friendship with Haskins that spanned nearly 40 years.
Voorhies called him a “fabulous person, a loyal friend, and someone with such a kind, gentle heart,” and said she would miss his warmth and laughter.
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Her remembrance highlighted the enduring bond among cast members who stayed connected decades after the original series ended.
Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, wrote:
“Dennis Haskins was a steady presence in my teenage years, the kind of figure who kept us in line while making sure we knew he was in our corner. I will always remember his kindness and be grateful for the memories we as a cast got to share with him. RIP Mr. B”
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Haskins was born Nov. 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
He became one of the most recognizable faces of the “Saved by the Bell” franchise through his portrayal of the strict but caring school administrator.
As Principal Belding, Haskins repeatedly tried to keep Zack Morris and his fellow Bayside students in line.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar portrayed Morris, whose antics regularly tested the patience of Haskins’ often exasperated character.
Haskins’ journey as Mr. Belding began before “Saved by the Bell” officially arrived on NBC.
He originated the role on the Disney Channel series “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” which was later reworked into “Saved by the Bell.”
He continued portraying Belding throughout the original series. Haskins later reprised the character on “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” extending his time as the beloved principal across more than a decade.
Haskins became closely identified with Belding and the character’s frequent “Hey, hey, hey!” catchphrase.
The greeting became a signature moment as the principal attempted to rein in Morris and his classmates.
The role earned Haskins a lasting place in pop culture, but his television work extended beyond the Bayside campus. His credits and appearances included a range of comedies and dramas.
Those credits included “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “The West Wing,” “7th Heaven,” “Mad Men,” “New Girl,” “Hot in Cleveland,” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
Haskins also continued to appear at events connected to the series and its fans. On May 1, 2018, he posed for a portrait at a “Saved By the Max” event in West Hollywood, California.
The tributes from Lopez, Voorhies, and Haskins’ representative focused on the friendships he maintained and the attention he gave his admirers.
For the people who knew him, the man behind Mr. Belding was remembered with affection, laughter and heartbreak.