Dennis Haskins, 'Saved by the Bell' Star, Dies at 75

Key points

• Dennis Haskins, best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on 'Saved by the Bell,' has died at age 75.
• His agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the death and described Haskins as a 'great person' who 'absolutely LOVED his fans.'
• Haskins played Belding from 1989 to 2000, appearing in nearly 90 episodes of the main series and its spin-off 'The New Class.'
• He also appeared in 'A Million Ways to Die in the West,' 'Mad Men,' and 'Hot in Cleveland.'
• A tribute from Dimples Karaoke in Burbank noted Haskins was a regular at the venue, which closed about 11 years ago.
• No cause of death or further details were provided by his agent or the outlets.

Background

Haskins was a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and had a decades-long career in television and film. He was honored with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Most Distinguished Alumni Award in 2000. He also participated in USO tours for troops in Kosovo, Macedonia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, and Kyrgyzstan. He is survived by his son, Dustin. Earlier coverage noted that 'Saved by the Bell' cast members, including Tiffani Thiessen, received minimal pay and negligible residuals for their work on the show.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and WTVC all reported on Haskins' death, confirming his age as 75 and citing his agent, Jay Schachter, for the announcement. The Hollywood Reporter and Variety both included Schachter's statement, which emphasized Haskins' love for his fans and his status as a 'great person.' WTVC, a local Chattanooga outlet, focused on his native roots and the confirmation from his friend and caretaker. All three outlets noted that no cause of death was provided. The Hollywood Reporter and Variety both mentioned his appearances in 'A Million Ways to Die in the West' and 'Mad Men,' while WTVC focused more on his local connections and the confirmation from his agent. The Hollywood Reporter also noted his participation in USO tours and his honor from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, while Variety highlighted his connection to Dimples Karaoke in Burbank.

Why it matters

Haskins' death marks the end of a significant era in 1990s television, as he was a central figure in 'Saved by the Bell,' a show that defined a generation of sitcoms. His long tenure as Principal Belding, from the show's start to its conclusion, made him a recognizable and beloved character. His other roles in films and TV shows, including 'A Million Ways to Die in the West' and 'Mad Men,' demonstrate his versatility as an actor. His connection to Dimples Karaoke and his USO tours highlight his community involvement and dedication to supporting troops. His death is a loss for fans of the show and for the entertainment industry, as he was a 'great person' who 'absolutely LOVED his fans,' according to his agent.

What to watch

No further details about Haskins' death have been provided, and no cause of death has been released. His agent, Jay Schachter, has expressed his grief and noted that Haskins was a 'dear friend' for over 20 years. The entertainment industry and fans of 'Saved by the Bell' are expected to pay tribute to Haskins in the coming days. His legacy as a beloved actor and community figure will likely be remembered through tributes from fans, colleagues, and local organizations in Chattanooga and Burbank.