Dennis Haskins, the actor who turned Principal Richard Belding into one of the most recognizable characters on television, died September 27 at the age of 75. His death certificate, obtained by TMZ, confirms Parkinson’s disease as the cause, with irritable bowel syndrome, depression, hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia also listed. He passed away at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California.
What makes this one hit harder is how quietly he carried it. Dimples, the Burbank karaoke bar where Haskins was a beloved regular, shared that he had been battling Parkinson’s privately for eight years. His ex-wife, Sarah Quinones, said he kept his condition from even those closest to him because he did not want the attention. His agent of more than 20 years, Jay Schachter, called it a tragic loss, adding that everyone loved Mr. Belding, and those who knew Dennis loved him even more.
For a generation of fans, Haskins was the authority figure who actually cared, the principal who showed up, cracked jokes and somehow made school feel survivable. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter and a lesson in dignity.
What’s your favorite Mr. Belding memory? Drop it in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.