Dennis Haskins, famous for his role as principal Richard Belding on the popular sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” has passed away at the age of 75, as confirmed by his agent Jay Schachter. In a statement to CBC News, Schachter expressed deep sadness over the loss, highlighting Haskins’ enduring popularity among fans and his unwavering dedication to them. Known for his iconic catchphrase “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?” as the affable principal of Bayside High, Haskins gained widespread recognition for his role on the show which originally started as “Good Morning, Miss Bliss” on Disney Channel before evolving into “Saved by the Bell” on NBC from 1989 to 1993.
Haskins reprised his role as Mr. Belding in subsequent series like “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and made a memorable appearance with former co-stars on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015. Following his passing, his co-stars, including Elizabeth Berkley, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen, have taken to social media to share their fond memories and express their grief over the loss.
His fellow actors remember him as a constant and supportive presence during their formative years, with Thiessen reminiscing about his kindness and the shared experiences they had on set. Lopez also paid tribute, recalling Haskins’ love for karaoke and the enduring friendship they shared. Lark Voorhies, who portrayed Lisa Turtle alongside Haskins, described their almost 40-year friendship as a true blessing filled with cherished memories.
Haskins’ career spanned several decades, with notable appearances in various TV shows and films such as “Mad Men,” “Hot in Cleveland,” and Seth MacFarlane’s “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” His initial onscreen debut in a 1979 episode of “The Dukes of Hazzard” marked the beginning of a successful acting journey that endeared him to audiences worldwide.