Saved By The Bell star Dennis Haskins, who played Principal Richard Belding on the beloved US sitcom, has died aged 75.
The Tennessee-born actor died on Sunday. His cause of death has not been confirmed but he had Parkinson’s disease, according to ABC News4.
His agent Jay Schachter 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.”
A karaoke bar in California where Haskins had been a “staple” said the actor had been battling Parkinson’s for eight years.
“He had been silent about his fight with Parkinson’s, among other health concerns, because he did not want the attention,” Dimples Karaoke said in an Instagram post.
The post went on: “He did not want to have to tell people. He would say, ‘What do I even say?’ So I respected his wishes and stayed quiet, and I helped him through his journey into the next chapter of his life.
“What a cool and amazing life he had. Rest in peace, Dennis. You were very much loved and will never be forgotten.”
Haskins played Principal Belding in the original Saved by the Bell series from 1989 to 1993 on NBC as well as the sequel Saved by the Bell: The New Class from 1993 until 2000.
He was given the nickname “America’s Favourite Principal” for his performance and his character was known for his signature exasperated phrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?” as he struggled to control his students.
He starred alongside Mario Lopez, Lark Voorhies, Tiffani Amber Thiessen, Elizabeth Berkley, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and the late Dustin Diamond, who died aged 44 in 2021 after a short battle with cancer.
Haskins went on to release an album inspired by his iconic role in the teen sitcom called Karaoke With Your favourite Principal Dennis.
The actor racked up more than 100 acting credits over his decades-long career, including roles in The West Wing, Mad Men, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, How I Met Your Mother and New Girl.
Haskins was a fan of WWE and appeared in several episodes of a YouTube series hosted by wrestler Zack Ryder.
He is survived by his son, Dustin Haskins.
