Dennis Haskins, widely recognized for his portrayal of principal Richard Belding on the popular TV series “Saved by the Bell,” has passed away at the age of 75, as confirmed by his agent Jay Schachter. Expressing deep sorrow, Schachter described Haskins as a beloved figure both on and off the screen, known for his genuine affection for his fans and his enduring friendships.
Haskins gained fame for his role as the caring and humorous principal of Bayside High, famously known for his catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?” Originating from his appearance in Disney Channel’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” the character of Mr. Belding was later featured in the revamped version of the show, “Saved by the Bell,” which aired from 1989 to 1993.
Beyond his iconic role, Haskins continued to engage with his fans by reprising his character in subsequent series like “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and in a memorable sketch on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015 alongside former castmates. Following his passing, his co-stars, including Elizabeth Berkley, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen, expressed their grief on social media, reminiscing about their shared experiences and the impact Haskins had on their lives.
Acknowledging Haskins’ longstanding contribution to the entertainment industry, it is noted that his career spanned several decades, with appearances in popular shows such as “Mad Men,” “Hot in Cleveland,” and “New Girl,” as well as a role in Seth MacFarlane’s film “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” His onscreen journey began in 1979 with an episode of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” marking the start of a successful and enduring television and film career.