Official Records Confirm Parkinson's as Cause of Death for 'Saved by the Bell' Star Dennis Haskins

Key points

• Dennis Haskins died on September 27, 2026, at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California.
• His death certificate lists Parkinson's disease as the primary cause of death, with depression, hypertension, and benign prostatic hyperplasia noted as significant conditions.
• Haskins had been diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2018 but kept the diagnosis private for eight years, even from close friends and family.
• His agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the death and praised Haskins as a 'great person' who deeply valued his fans.
• Haskins is survived by his son, Dustin, and was a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Background

Haskins first appeared as Principal Richard Belding in the 1989 Disney Channel series 'Good Morning, Miss Bliss,' which was retooled into 'Saved by the Bell' on NBC. He reprised the role through the show's four-season run and returned for 'Saved by the Bell: The New Class' from 1993 to 2000. He was a cultural icon for his catchphrase, 'Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?' and his interactions with the student cast. His last public appearance was at a Los Angeles Clippers game in December 2018.

How outlets are covering it

TMZ and Page Six both reported the cause of death based on the death certificate obtained by TMZ. Page Six provided additional details from the certificate, including other significant conditions like depression and hypertension, and noted that Haskins had been staying at an assisted living facility near the end of his life. Deadline focused on his extensive acting credits and the confirmation by his agent, Jay Schachter. All sources agree on the date of death, age, and the private nature of his battle with Parkinson's. The archive articles from earlier in October and September 2026 provide background on his initial death announcement and the earlier revelation of his Parkinson's diagnosis by Dimples Karaoke in Burbank.

Why it matters

The confirmation of the cause of death provides closure for fans and colleagues of a beloved TV icon. It highlights the private struggles of public figures with chronic illnesses and the impact of Parkinson's disease on the entertainment industry. Haskins' legacy as a cultural icon from the 1990s sitcom remains significant, and his death underscores the importance of mental and physical health awareness.

What to watch

There are no immediate next steps reported, but the focus will likely remain on tributes and remembrances from fans and colleagues. The entertainment industry may continue to discuss the challenges faced by actors with chronic illnesses and the importance of privacy in such cases.