Dennis Haskins was a beloved American actor best remembered for playing the endlessly exasperated Principal Richard Belding on the classic teen sitcom Saved by the Bell — a role that made him a generational fixture of ’90s television and a favorite at fan conventions and college campuses for decades afterward.
Haskins died on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at a Burbank assisted living facility, at the age of 75. His death was confirmed by his longtime friend and caretaker, Kimberly Snow, and his agent, Jay Schachter.
Fans of the show and the entertainment world are mourning his loss. This post is a tribute to his life, career, and legacy.
Dennis Haskins: Quick Info Table
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dennis Haskins |
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1950 |
| Date of Passing | September 27, 2026 (age 75) |
| Birthplace | Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Notre Dame High School; University of Tennessee at Chattanooga |
| Profession | Actor |
| Years Active | 1981 – 2020s |
| Known For | Principal Richard Belding in Saved by the Bell (1989–1993) and Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1993–2000) |
| Health | Had privately battled Parkinson’s disease for roughly eight years |
Biography & Career
- Born November 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
- Attended Notre Dame High School and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
- Worked in the music industry as a manager and concert promoter before acting, with clients including Tom Jones.
- Made his on-screen debut in 1981 on Archie Bunker’s Place.
- Played Principal Richard Belding in Good Morning, Miss Bliss, Saved by the Bell, and Saved by the Bell: The New Class.
- His catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?”, became a defining line of ’90s TV.
- Later appeared in Mad Men, New Girl, The West Wing, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
- Toured colleges nationwide with his one-man “Mr. Belding on Campus” show.
- Donated his Saved by the Bell scripts and memorabilia to UT Chattanooga.
- Reunited with his Saved by the Bell castmates on The Tonight Show in 2015.
Passing & Tributes — September 2026
- Haskins died Sunday, September 27, 2026, at a Burbank assisted living facility, at age 75.
- His death was confirmed by longtime friend Kimberly Snow and his agent, Jay Schachter.
- A specific cause of death has not been made public; he had privately battled Parkinson’s disease for about eight years.
- His agent said: “Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more.”
- He played Principal Belding across four Saved by the Bell properties over four decades.
- Chattanooga outlets noted his lasting ties to his hometown and his donated memorabilia.
Dennis Haskins (November 18, 1950 – September 27, 2026). Rest in peace, Mr. Belding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
He died on September 27, 2026, at a Burbank assisted living facility at age 75. A specific cause has not been officially confirmed, though he had privately battled Parkinson’s disease and other health issues for about eight years.
He was best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell (1989–1993) and its spin-off Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1993–2000).
Yes — he originated the role in the 1988 precursor series Good Morning, Miss Bliss and played Principal Belding continuously through the original series and its spin-offs.
Beyond Saved by the Bell, he appeared in Mad Men, New Girl, The West Wing, 7th Heaven, The Practice, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and films including A Million Ways to Die in the West and Clemency.
He was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and remained closely tied to his hometown, later donating his career memorabilia to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
