Actor Dennis Haskins, known for playing Principal Richard Belding in “Saved by the Bell,” has died. He was 75 years old.
Haskins’ longtime manager Jay Schachter confirmed the news. Diversity On Monday. The cause of death and further details have not been disclosed at this time.
“This is a tragic loss,” Haskins said in a statement. “Everyone loved Mr. Belding, and those of us who knew Dennis loved him even more. He was a wonderful person and loved his fans, I mean absolutely LOVED them. 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 so much. I am heartbroken.”
Haskins played the iconic principal throughout the long-running series. The show ran from 1989 to 1992, and Haskins appeared in nearly 90 episodes. He also portrayed Belding in the television movie “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and in the lead-in to the main series, “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” which aired in 1988.
His character famously used the catchphrase: “Hey, hey, hey, what’s going on here?” While trying to discipline Bayside High students Zack Morris, AC Slater and Screech Powers. He starred alongside Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Dustin Diamond, Lark Voorhies, Dennis Haskins, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, Elizabeth Berkley and Mario Lopez.
Haskins has also appeared in a number of other films and television shows, including “Abstruse,” “A Million Ways to Die in the West,” “A Bennett Song Holiday,” “Trailer Park Shark,” “Jennifer Falls” and more.
Dimples Karaoke, a bar in Burbank, California, posted a tribute on Instagram to the actor, who was a regular at the venue.
The caption reads: “Dennis was a big name at Dimples. Many people thought he owned it, but he didn’t. He loved the place and the people there. He enjoyed singing for people, meeting them, and taking selfies with 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.”
“Late last night, this journey ended for him. He is now at peace and probably entertaining people in the sky. Know that if you have tried to reach him over the last few years, I have read your messages to him and listened to you.”