Dennis Haskins, renowned for his portrayal of principal Richard Belding on the popular TV series “Saved by the Bell,” has passed away at the age of 75. Jay Schachter, his agent, confirmed the sad news in a statement to CBC News, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. Schachter praised Haskins for his amiable personality and genuine affection for his fans, emphasizing the lasting bond they shared over the past two decades.
Known for his iconic role as the caring and approachable principal at Bayside High, Haskins gained widespread recognition for his catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?” The actor, originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, initially portrayed Mr. Belding on the Disney Channel’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” which later evolved into the popular series “Saved by the Bell” on NBC, airing from 1989 to 1993.
Haskins reprised his role in subsequent series such as “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and made a memorable appearance alongside former co-stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015. Following his passing, his co-stars have taken to social media to express their heartfelt tributes.
Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski on the show, reminisced about Haskins being a stabilizing presence during her teenage years, while Mario Lopez, known for his role as A.C. Slater, fondly remembered their shared moments of laughter and friendship. Lark Voorhies, who starred as Lisa Turtle, described their nearly four-decade-long friendship as a profound blessing, highlighting Haskins’ enduring kindness and gentle spirit.
Haskins’ acting career spanned several decades, starting with a guest appearance on “The Dukes of Hazzard” in 1979. Throughout his career, he showcased his talent in various successful shows like “Mad Men,” “Hot in Cleveland,” “New Girl,” and Seth MacFarlane’s film “A Million Ways to Die in the West.”