Dennis Haskins, the actor who became a familiar face to television viewers as Principal Richard Belding on the hit teen sitcom "Saved by the Bell," has died at the age of 75, TMZ.com confirmed on Monday, September 28, 2026.
The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Haskins' agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the death to TMZ.com and described the loss in personal terms. "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," Schachter told TMZ.com.
Schachter also spoke to the actor's enduring connection with the public. "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," Schachter told TMZ.com.
Haskins rose to prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s through his portrayal of Principal Belding on "Saved by the Bell." The character, charged with keeping Zack Morris and the other Bayside High students in line, became one of the show's most recognizable figures and delivered a signature catchphrase that echoed through the halls of the fictional school: "Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?"
His association with the role extended well beyond the original series. Haskins reprised the part in multiple spinoffs, including "Saved by the Bell: The College Years" and "Saved by the Bell: The New Class."
The actor was 75 years old at the time of his death.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
