The actor, who played school principal Richard Belding, was remembered by co-star Lark Voorhies as “a loyal friend”.
US actor Dennis Haskins, best known as school principal Richard Belding in ‘Saved By The Bell’, has died aged 75. His agent confirmed his death in a statement to US media outlets, while co-star Lark Voorhies remembered him as “a loyal friend”. No cause of death was given.
Dennis Haskins, the US actor best known for playing school principal Richard Belding in the teen sitcom ‘Saved By The Bell’, has died aged 75.
His death was confirmed in a statement from his agent, Jay Schachter, issued to US media outlets. A cause of death was not given.
Schachter described Haskins as “a great person” and said the actor loved his fans.
“It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more,” Schachter said. “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.”
Haskins’ ‘Saved By The Bell’ co-star Lark Voorhies, who played student Lisa Turtle, also paid tribute to him in a post on Instagram.
“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.”
Haskins starred in ‘Saved By The Bell’ from 1989 to 1993. He returned as Richard Belding in the spin-off ‘Saved By The Bell: The New Class’, which ran from 1993 to 2000.
His other appearances connected to the franchise included predecessor series ‘Good Morning, Miss Bliss’, which ran from 1988 to 1989, 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.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins had his first television role in ‘The Dukes Of Hazzard’, appearing in several episodes as various characters.
He later appeared in the film ‘A Million Ways To Die In The West’ in 2014 and had roles in television series including ‘The West Wing’, ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’, ‘Mad Men’ and ‘How I Met Your Mother’.
