Dennis Haskins, recognized for his role as principal Richard Belding in the popular sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” has passed away at the age of 75, as confirmed by his agent Jay Schachter in a statement to CBC News. Described as a tragic loss, Schachter reminisced about Haskins’ warm personality and dedication to his fans over the years.
Known for his iconic role as the compassionate principal of Bayside High, Haskins gained fame for his memorable catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?” Originally portraying Mr. Belding on Disney Channel’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” the show later evolved into “Saved by the Bell” on NBC from 1989 to 1993.
Haskins reprised his role in subsequent series like “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and made a memorable appearance alongside former co-stars on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015. Following his passing, his former co-stars, including Elizabeth Berkley, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen, took to social media to express their condolences and share fond memories of their time working together.
With a career spanning back to his debut in a 1979 episode of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Haskins continued to grace both television and film screens, appearing in popular shows like “Mad Men,” “Hot in Cleveland,” and “New Girl,” as well as in Seth MacFarlane’s movie “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” His legacy as an actor and his warm, genuine character will be dearly missed by fans and colleagues alike.
