The actor, who played school principal Richard Belding, was remembered as “a loyal friend” by co-star Lark Voorhies.
US actor Dennis Haskins, known for playing school principal Richard Belding in Saved By The Bell, has died aged 75. His agent confirmed his death in a statement issued to US media outlets, while co-star Lark Voorhies remembered him as a loyal friend. No cause of death was given.
US actor Dennis Haskins, best known for playing school principal Richard Belding in Saved By The Bell, has died aged 75.
His agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed his death in a statement issued to US media outlets and described Haskins as “a great person”. A cause of death was not given.
Lark Voorhies, who played student Lisa Turtle in the sitcom, paid tribute to Haskins in an Instagram post.
“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.
She described him as “a fabulous person, a loyal friend, and someone with such a kind, gentle heart” and said she was “truly heartbroken” by his passing.
Haskins starred in Saved By The Bell from 1989 to 1993. He also appeared in Saved By The Bell: The New Class, which ran from 1993 to 2000, and its predecessor Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which ran from 1988 to 1989.
His other Saved By The Bell appearances included the spin-off Saved By The Bell: The College Years in 1993 and the films Saved By The Bell: Hawaiian Style in 1992 and Saved By The Bell: Wedding In Las Vegas in 1994.
Schachter said: “It’s a tragic loss. 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.”
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins began his television career with several appearances as different characters in The Dukes Of Hazzard.
He later appeared in the film A Million Ways To Die In The West and television series including The West Wing, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Mad Men and How I Met Your Mother.
