Dennis Haskins, 'Saved by the Bell' Icon, Dies at 75 After Decade-Long Battle with Parkinson's

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 expressed heartbreak, noting Haskins was a 'great person' who loved his fans.
• Dimples Karaoke, a Burbank bar where Haskins was a regular, revealed he had been battling Parkinson's disease for eight years.
• Haskins appeared in nearly 90 episodes of 'Saved by the Bell' (1989-1992) and its spinoffs, including 'Saved by the Bell: The New Class.'
• His career included over 100 acting credits, with guest spots on shows like 'The West Wing,' 'Mad Men,' and 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.'
• Haskins was a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he was involved in campus life and theater.

Background

Haskins' death marks the end of a career that spanned several decades, beginning with his network television debut on 'The Dukes of Hazzard' in 1979. Before his acting career, he worked as a music manager and concert promoter, representing artists like Tom Jones and Gregg Allman. His role as Mr. Belding on 'Saved by the Bell' made him a household name, and his catchphrase became one of the show's most memorable lines. The show's cast, including Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tiffani Thiessen, and Elizabeth Berkley, has since moved on to other successful careers, but Haskins remained a beloved figure among fans. His death also highlights the challenges faced by actors in the 1990s, as co-star Tiffani Thiessen previously revealed that the 'Saved by the Bell' cast earned minimal pay and did not receive residuals.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six and WTVC reported on Haskins' death, with WTVC confirming the news from his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Variety provided a detailed account of his career and the tribute from Dimples Karaoke, which revealed his battle with Parkinson's disease. Yahoo focused on the cause of death, noting that while the specific cause has not been released, the Parkinson's diagnosis was a significant factor. All outlets agreed on the age of 75 and the confirmation by his agent, Jay Schachter. The perspectives highlight the widespread love and respect Haskins had among fans and colleagues, with Schachter describing him as a 'great person' and Dimples Karaoke calling him a 'staple' and 'second home.' The outlets also emphasized his long career and the impact of his role on 'Saved by the Bell,' which made him a cultural icon.

Why it matters

Dennis Haskins' death marks the end of an era for a beloved character in 1990s television. His role as Mr. Belding on 'Saved by the Bell' made him a household name, and his catchphrase, 'Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?' became one of the show's most memorable lines. Haskins' career spanned several decades, with over 100 acting credits, and he was known for his dedication to his fans and his community. His battle with Parkinson's disease, which he kept private, highlights the challenges faced by actors in managing their health while maintaining their public image. His death also serves as a reminder of the impact of 1990s sitcoms on popular culture and the enduring legacy of characters that resonated with audiences for decades.

What to watch

The entertainment industry is expected to pay tribute to Dennis Haskins in the coming days, with memorials and tributes from former co-stars and fans. His agent, Jay Schachter, may provide further details on his career and personal life in the coming weeks. The cause of death, while not officially released, is likely to be linked to his battle with Parkinson's disease, as revealed by Dimples Karaoke. Haskins' legacy as a beloved actor and cultural icon will continue to be remembered through his work on 'Saved by the Bell' and other productions. Fans and colleagues are expected to share memories and tributes on social media, honoring his contributions to television and his dedication to his fans.