The cause of death of actor Dennis Haskins, known for his role as Principal Richard Belding in the “Saved by the Bell” series, has been announced.
Kimberly Snow, Haskins’ friend and longtime caregiver, confirmed the actor’s death on Sept. 27 and told The Times that Haskins had been quietly battling Parkinson’s disease and was candid about his other health issues. The actor died at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cited Parkinson’s disease as the actor’s immediate cause of death.
According to the death certificate obtained by TMZ. Irritable bowel syndrome, depression, hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia were also among the health problems Haskins struggled with.
Snow, the former manager of the shuttered Dimples Karaoke in Burbank, shared the news of the actor’s death on Instagram, writing that Haskins was a fixture at the restaurant, so much so that many customers thought he was the owner.
“Many people thought he owned it, but he didn’t,” the tribute read. “He loved this place and the people there. He enjoyed singing for people, meeting them and taking selfies with his fans. Dimples closed about 11 years ago and people still consider it his beloved ‘second home.’ Most people knew him as Mr. Belding from Saved by the Bell, but to us he was so much more than that.”
“He got sick about eight years ago,” the post continued. “He had kept quiet about his struggle with Parkinson’s disease, among other health issues, because he didn’t want to attract attention. He didn’t want to have to tell people. ‘What should I say?’ he would say. So I respected his wishes and stayed quiet and helped him on his journey to the next chapter of his life.
“Late last night this journey ended for him.”
The actor portrayed Mr. Belding in seven TV series, including “Good Morning, Miss Happiness”, “Saved by the Bell”, “Saved by the Bell: College Years”, “Saved by the Bell: New Class”, “Rerun Show”, “Robot Chicken” and “Victorious”.