Dennis Haskins, the American actor who won the hearts of millions as Principal Richard Belding on the hit sitcom Saved by the Bell for over a decade, has died at the age of 75.
His agent, Jay Schachter, announced the news of his death in a statement released on Tuesday.
"It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding, and those of us who got to know Dennis loved him even more," Schachter said.
"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."
Born in 1950, the actor launched his screen career on The Dukes of Hazzard before landing his breakout role as headmaster Mr Belding.
Famous for his signature catchphrase, "Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?", Haskins remained a central figure on the show from 1989 until 1993.
He continued to play the character in the spinoff series Saved by the Bell: The New Class, which ran for an additional seven years.
Beyond his defining role, Haskins featured in television programmes such as New Girl, Mad Men, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, as well as the movie A Million Ways to Die in the West.
Schachter did not disclose the cause of Haskins’ death. He is survived by his son, Dustin Haskins.
In 2015 The Independent reported on how the actor graduated from college at age 65.
The actor left his studies at the University of Tennesse at Chattanooga incomplete when his acting career took off; and then returned to earn his degree in theatre and graduate from the institution. The university also rewarded the actor with an honorary degree.
He said in a statement: "As successful as some have said I’ve been, from the incredible success of Saved by the Bell, other quality acting roles, the books I’ve written, and even UTC Distinguished Alumni in 2000, there’s always been something missing for me—my college degree. For reasons long past, I left just short of my liberal arts degree in theater. Over the years I’ve thought about and even pursued finishing that degree. Now, with the forward thinking policies of this great university that I love so much that have benefited many other graduates, I join these graduates in holding my head high having earned my liberal arts degree in theater from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga! Go Chattanooga! And Go Mocs!”
More than ten years after the spinoff concluded, Haskins returned as Mr Belding for a special appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, reuniting with former cast members Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez and Tiffani Thiessen.
