BURBANK, CA. (THECOUNT) — Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on the hit television series “Saved by the Bell,” has died at age 75, according to his longtime agent.
Haskins died Sunday night in Burbank, California, according to the Los Angeles Times. His cause of death has not been released. His longtime friend and caretaker, Kimberly Snow, told the newspaper he died around 11 p.m. at a Burbank assisted living facility.
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Jay Schachter, Haskins’ agent and friend of more than 20 years, confirmed his death and described it as a tragic loss.
“Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more,” Schachter said. “He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED his fans.”
Haskins first played Richard Belding on Disney Channel’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss” before the character was carried into NBC’s “Saved by the Bell,” which premiered in 1989. The series followed students at the fictional Bayside High School and became a defining television comedy of the era.
Haskins remained with “Saved by the Bell” throughout its original run and later reprised the role on “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” which ran from 1993 to 2000. He also appeared as Mr. Belding in other installments of the franchise.
Born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he worked for the student newspaper and acted in campus productions. He also helped found the Harlequins, a community theater group.
Before establishing himself as an actor, Haskins worked as a music manager, agent and concert promoter. His clients included Tom Jones and Gregg Allman, according to his biography.
Haskins later appeared in television programs including “The Twilight Zone” and “Magnum, P.I.” before his role as Mr. Belding brought him widespread recognition. His later acting credits included appearances on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and other television and film productions.
Haskins’ career ultimately spanned decades, but his portrayal of the Bayside High principal remained his signature role. Schachter said Haskins had a deep affection for the fans who continued to support him long after the original series ended.
The circumstances surrounding Haskins’ death remain undisclosed, and no cause of death has been publicly announced.
Burbank is located in Los Angeles County’s San Fernando Valley, immediately north of Los Angeles and within the Southern California entertainment industry. Haskins was born and raised in Chattanooga before establishing his acting career in television.
Google Maps: Burbank, California
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