The actor best known as Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell died at 75. Former castmates posted personal tributes and his agent described Haskins’ connection with fans.
Cast members including Mario Lopez, Lark Voorhies, and Tiffani Thiessen posted personal tributes on social media, describing Haskins as warm, kind, and a steady presence.
His agent Jay Schachter told TMZ that Haskins loved his fans, always made time for them, and was both a client and a close friend for more than 20 years.
Haskins had more than 100 acting credits and continued working through at least 2020, with appearances on shows such as Mad Men, The New Girl, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and The West Wing.
# What happened Dennis Haskins, the actor widely known as Principal Richard Belding on the teen sitcom Saved by the Bell, died on Sunday at age 75. The New York Times reported his death. As of the latest reports, no cause has been released.
# Immediate responses Several former castmates posted public tributes. Mario Lopez shared a photo with Haskins on Instagram and referred to him as everyone's favorite principal. Lark Voorhies wrote on Instagram that knowing Haskins for nearly 40 years was a blessing and that she is heartbroken by his passing. Tiffani Thiessen posted in her Instagram Stories, calling Haskins a steady presence during her teenage years who kept the cast in line while making sure they knew he had their backs.
Haskins' agent Jay Schachter spoke with TMZ and described the actor as someone who loved his fans and always had time for them. Schachter said he had been Haskins' agent and friend for over 20 years and called the loss tragic.
# Career overview Haskins is best known for his role as Principal Belding on Saved by the Bell, a part that became a defining figure of the show's ensemble. Beyond that role, Haskins' resume included more than 100 acting credits. He appeared in series such as Mad Men, The New Girl, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The West Wing, and 7th Heaven. Reports indicate he remained active in acting through at least 2020.
# What the cast emphasized The tributes focus less on biography and more on personal connection. Mario Lopez recalled Haskins' playful nature and how he would join in activities like karaoke. Lark Voorhies emphasized Haskins' loyalty, warmth, and gentle heart, calling him a loyal friend. Tiffani Thiessen framed him as a steady and kind presence during formative years on the show.
# What's still unknown
# Why this matters to fans Mr. Belding was a recurring, recognizable figure on a show that reached a large audience in the 1980s and 1990s and retained cultural visibility through reruns and references. For many viewers and co-workers, Haskins' public persona and off-camera friendliness made him someone people sought out for photos and interactions, and that consistency appears central to the memory being shared by colleagues.
# What to watch for next
Rest in peace, Dennis Haskins. Thank you to the colleagues and friends who shared memories and a sense of who he was off-screen.
Tiffani Thiessen, Mario Lopez, and more Saved by the Bell stars are paying tribute to their former cast mate Dennis Haskins, following the actor's death at 75.
Tiffani Thiessen, Mario Lopez and more mourned their beloved co-star after he passed away at 75.
'Knowing Dennis Haskins for almost 40 years has been one of the truest blessings of my life,' Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle on 'Saved by the Bell', wrote on Instagram.
The Mr. Belding actor will be missed.
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