Dennis Haskins, Saved by the Bell principal, dies at 75

Dennis Haskins, who played Principal Richard Belding on “Saved by the Bell” and became a familiar face to generations of television viewers, has died at 75, his agent said Monday. His cause of death was not released.

“It’s a tragic loss,” said Jay Schachter, Haskins’ agent and head of film and television for Stewart Talent in New York City. “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.”

Haskins played Belding on “Saved by the Bell” from 1989 to 1993. The principal was known for the phrase, “Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?” CBS News reported. Haskins later reprised the role on “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” which aired on NBC Saturday mornings from 1993 to 2000, according to NBC News.

The role began before “Saved by the Bell.” Haskins portrayed Belding on the Disney Channel series “Good Morning, Miss Bliss” in 1988, according to a biography from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. NBC aired the show as “Saved by the Bell” the following year.

Haskins was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. There, he reported for the student newspaper, acted in campus productions and helped found a community theater group called the Harlequins, according to the university biography cited by NBC News.

Before his best-known television role, Haskins worked as a music manager, agent and concert promoter. His clients included Tom Jones and Gregg Allman, NBC News reported, citing his IMDb biography. Early acting credits included appearances on “Magnum, P.I.” and “The Twilight Zone,” according to IMDb.

After “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” ended, Haskins continued working in television and movies. His later credits included an appearance on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” But for many fans, he remained closely identified with Mr. Belding, the school principal he portrayed across the original series and its follow-up.

Schachter said Haskins made time for the people who knew him through that role. “He always had time for them, no matter what,” Schachter said, according to CBS News.

The agent said their professional relationship had grown into a long friendship. “He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly,” Schachter said. “I’m heartbroken.”