Dennis Haskins, best known as principal Richard Belding in Saved By The Bell, has died at the age of 75.
The actor became a familiar face throughout the show's original run from 1989 to 1993, earning a place in pop culture history as the well-meaning school principal "Mr Belding". He later returned to the role in several spin-offs and TV movies linked to the franchise.
Tributes have poured in following news of his passing, including from actress Lark Voorhies, who starred alongside Haskins as Lisa Turtle. Sharing a heartfelt message on social media, she described him as a loyal friend and said she was devastated by the loss, reflecting on a friendship that spanned almost four decades.
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"Knowing Dennis Haskins for almost 40 years has been one of the truest blessings of my life, which makes losing him hurt so deeply." The actress goes onto say "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."
Before Saved By The Bell became a global hit, Haskins had already portrayed the character in Good Morning, Miss Bliss, the series that eventually evolved into the beloved teen sitcom. He continued as Mr Belding in Saved By The Bell: The College Years, The New Class.
Haskins' agent Jay Schachter confirmed his death in a statement to US media. "Everyone loved Mr Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more," stated Schachter.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins built a lengthy television career. His acting credits included appearances in popular series such as The West Wing, Mad Men, How I Met Your Mother, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Dukes of Hazzard. He also appeared in the comedy film A Million Ways to Die in the West.
A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
