Dennis Haskins, Beloved Saved by the Bell Principal Mr. Belding, Dies at 75

Dennis Haskins, the actor who defined school authority for a generation as Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, has died at age 75, per TVLine.

News of his passing was first reported by an ABC affiliate in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. No cause of death has been shared.

Haskins played the iconic Mr. Belding for a staggering 13 seasons across the franchise. This included the original series, its precursor Good Morning, Miss Bliss, the college years spin-off, and the long-running Saved by the Bell: The New Class, which he headlined from 1993 to 2000. He also appeared in two TV movies for the series.

Before his Bell fame, he guest-starred on numerous hits like The Dukes of Hazzard and Magnum, P.I. His career continued with roles on shows ranging from The West Wing to Mad Men.

A famous Los Angeles karaoke bar, Dimples, paid tribute on Instagram, calling Haskins a staple of their venue. The post revealed he had quietly battled Parkinson's disease and other health issues for about eight years, preferring to keep his struggle private. The tribute stated his journey had ended and he was now at peace, celebrating a life well-lived and deeply cherished.