Beloved actor Dennis Haskins, famous for his role as principal Richard Belding on the popular TV show “Saved by the Bell,” has passed away at the age of 75. The sad news was confirmed by his agent, Jay Schachter, in a statement to CBC News. Schachter expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting Haskins’ warm personality and strong connection with his fans.
Haskins gained widespread recognition for portraying the caring and authoritative principal at Bayside High, known for his iconic catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?” Originally appearing as Mr. Belding on Disney Channel’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” the character later transitioned to the NBC series “Saved by the Bell,” which aired from 1989 to 1993.
In addition to his role on the original show, Haskins reprised his character in spin-offs like “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and reunited with former cast members on a special sketch featured on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015. Following his passing, his co-stars, including Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen, shared heartfelt tributes on social media, reminiscing about their time working with him.
Haskins’ extensive acting career began in 1979 with a guest appearance on “The Dukes of Hazzard” and continued with roles in popular series such as “Mad Men,” “Hot in Cleveland,” and “New Girl,” as well as a part in Seth MacFarlane’s movie “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” Throughout his nearly four-decade-long friendship with his co-stars and fans, Haskins left a lasting impact with his charm, kindness, and dedication to his craft.