Dennis Haskins, best known to millions of TV fans as the beloved Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell and remembered by daytime viewers for his 2010 guest stint as Mack on The Bold and the Beautiful, has passed away at the age of 75.
His agent and caretaker confirmed the sad news. While an official cause of death has not been released, reports indicate Haskins had been privately managing Parkinson’s disease prior to his passing.
Key Takeaways
- Dennis Haskins has died at 75.
- He was best known as Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell.
- Haskins appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful as Mack in 2010.
- He played Principal Belding across seven different television series.
- He also remained closely connected to his Chattanooga, Tennessee, roots.
Dennis Haskins Made Principal Belding His Own
Haskins built an indelible career across pop culture. However, it was his pitch-perfect delivery of “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?” that cemented him as an iconic fixture of ’90s television.
Remarkably, he holds the distinction of playing Principal Richard Belding across seven different television series: Good Morning, Miss Bliss, Saved by the Bell, Saved by the Bell: The College Years, Saved by the Bell: The New Class, The Rerun Show, Robot Chicken, and Victorious. He was also the sole regular cast member of Saved by the Bell: The New Class to remain with the series throughout its entire seven-season run.
At one point, Haskins even grew a mustache in an effort to lose the wholesome, instantly recognizable appeal of his signature character!
©sean smith/jpistudios
Roots, Pride, and the Power of Community
Born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins never forgot where he came from. A proud member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the University of Tennessee/Chattanooga, he was famous for working intentional, subtle shout-outs to Chattanooga and Tennessee into his dialogue across various TV shows and films as a tribute to his hometown. In high school at Notre Dame High in Chattanooga, Haskins wore #54 while playing basketball in the mid-1980s. He even tested his word skills as a contestant on the popular TV game show Scrabble.
His hometown loyalty came full circle at his alma mater, UTC, where he served as the namesake for the annual High School Academic Bowl tournament held every spring by the Academic Trivia Association. Unlike many celebrity honorees, Haskins was genuinely flattered by the distinction. He generously provided signed memorabilia and prizes for the student competitors and tournament officials over the years.
Outside of his work on the screen and in his community, Haskins spent his later years residing in Anaheim, California.
©sean smith/jpistudios
Soap Opera News sends out our deep love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and millions of devoted fans of Dennis Haskins during this difficult time.
Were you a fan of Dennis Haskins’ Principal Belding from Saved by the Bell? And do you remember him from The Bold and the Beautiful? Tell us your favorite Haskins role in the comments.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios.
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