Actor Dennis Haskins, who played the beloved Principal Belding on the sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell,’ died on Sunday, September 27. Haskins died at 75 following a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
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‘Saved By The Bell’ Actor Dennis Haskins Dies At 75
Everyone’s favorite school principal passed away on Sunday. Dennis Haskins starred as the principal on the 1990s sitcom, ‘Saved by the Bell.’ Jay Schacher, Haskins’ agent, confirmed the news with a statement to PEOPLE magazine on Monday, September 28.
“It’s a tragic loss,” Schacher wrote. “Everyone loved Mr. Belding, and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more. He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED his fans. He always had time for them, no matter what. He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly. I’m heartbroken.”
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The sitcom about a group of teenagers at the fictional Bayside High School premiered in 1989. ‘Saved by the Bell’ also starred Lark Voorhies, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Dustin Diamond, Tiffani Amber Thiessen, and Elizabeth Berkley. Haskins also played the lovable Principal Belding in ‘Saved by the Bell: The New Class’ from 1993 to 2000.
Haskins Was Diagnosed With Parkinson’s
Haskins was reportedly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, according to a post shared on Instagram by Dimples Karaoke. The actor was reportedly well-known at the Burbank, California establishment for many years.
“Dennis was a staple at Dimples,” reads the statement. “A lot of people thought he owned it, but he didn’t. He just loved the place and its people. He enjoyed singing for people, meeting them, and taking selfies with his fans. Dimples closed down about 11 years ago, and people still associate him with his beloved ‘second home.’ He was known to most as Mr. Belding from ‘Saved by the Bell,’ but to us, he was much more than that.”
The post went on to note that the actor had become ill with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder with no cure. Symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slow movement and non-movement issues such as depression and sleep issues, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
“About eight years ago, he became ill,” continued the post. “He had been silent about his fight with Parkinson’s, among other health concerns, because he did not want the attention. He did not want to have to tell people. He would say, ‘What do I even say?’ So I respected his wishes and stayed quiet, and I helped him through his journey into the next chapter of his life.”
“Late last night, that journey ended for him. He is now at peace and is probably entertaining the people in the sky. Just know that if you tried to reach out to him in the last few years, I did read your messages to him, and you were heard. After I said my final goodbyes to him last night, I was across the hall signing some paperwork. I looked up and saw that the room he had been in was a gift from the Mario Lopez Golf Classic, and somehow, that made me feel a little better. What a cool and amazing life he had. Rest in peace, Dennis. You were very much loved and will never be forgotten.”
Former Co-Star Lark Voorhies Speaks Out
Haskins’ former co-star, Lark Voorhies, shared a message on Instagram and spoke about her friendship with the late actor.
“Knowing Dennis Haskins for almost 40 years has been one of the truest blessings of my life, which makes losing him hurt so deeply,” she wrote. “We shared so much history together from our earliest days, and through it all, he remained a fabulous person, a loyal friend, and someone with such a kind, gentle heart. I am truly heartbroken by his passing and will miss his warmth and laughter more than words can say. Rest in peace Dennis, you will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Fans also shared condolences on TSR’s Instagram page as they said goodbye to their “favorite principal” from childhood.
User @blkgee030 wrote, “My favorite childhood principal 😔.”
User @sonquilla.zhane added, “Awwwww not mr.belding …..hey hey hey WHAT is going on here 😭😭😭😭.”
@nochilldeezy added, “Rest in peace Mr B, our childhood Principal 🕊️😢.”
User @iamelocopeland wrote, “Not Mr. Belding 😭 Class is dismissed 🕊️🕊️🕊️.”
@joellaellaaye replied, “😢😢 my first principal, he always was consistent with his findings, Mr Belding 💎💎.”
User @dijahbadd wrote, “Awww we getting old frfr …. Not Saved my the Bell principle 😩.”
@chryssyvsdream noted, “This was everybody’s principal 😢.”
@jayb5744 shared thanks to the late actor. “thank you for all the good laughter grown up as a kid rest in peace🙏🏾🥹.”
User @brenniemo replied, “Rest Up Mr Belding.”
