Dennis Haskins, the actor who spent more than a decade keeping Bayside High in line as Principal Richard Belding, has died at 75. His friend and caretaker Kimberly Snow confirmed the news to the New York Times. Haskins had been living with Parkinson’s disease for eight years.
For anyone who grew up on Saturday morning TV, Belding was a constant. Haskins originated the role in 1988’s Good Morning, Miss Bliss, then carried it through Saved by the Bell, its spin-offs, and the 2015 Tonight Show reunion that had the whole cast back together. He was the exasperated adult who chased Zack Morris down the hallway and, in the end, always rooted for his students.
His career reached well beyond Bayside. Haskins appeared on The West Wing, Mad Men, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, building a steady run as a working character actor. His death is also a reminder of how many families live with Parkinson’s disease. So we want to hear from you: what’s the one Principal Belding scene you’ll never forget?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.