Saved by the Bell Star Dennis Haskins, Our Beloved Mr. Belding, Dies at 75

Dennis Haskins, the actor who spent twelve years as Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, has died at 75. His cause of death has not been released, but Dimples, the Burbank karaoke bar where he was a beloved regular, shared that Haskins spent his last eight years battling Parkinson’s disease. His final public appearance came at an NBA game in 2018.

Haskins first put on the principal’s suit for Good Morning, Miss Bliss in 1988, then carried Mr. Belding through the Saturday morning era, The College Years, and the New Class reboot, wrapping in 2000. Along the way, he became one of the most recognizable authority figures in TV history, the exasperated grown-up who somehow never stopped rooting for his students.

The tributes from his Bayside family say everything. Tiffani Thiessen remembered his steady presence and kindness. Lark Voorhies called him a loyal friend with a gentle heart. Mario Lopez put it simply: he played the principal, but Dennis was the biggest kid on set. What’s your favorite Mr. Belding moment? Tell us in the comments.