Dennis Haskins, ‘Saved by the Bell’ Principal Belding, Dies at 75

Dennis Haskins, best known for playing the iconic Principal Richard Belding on the hit 1990s sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” died at age 75. His longtime agent Jay Schachter confirmed his death, but did not immediately disclose the cause.

Dennis Haskins, best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on the 1990s sitcom Saved by the Bell, died at age 75. His death was confirmed by his longtime agent, Jay Schachter, who did not give a cause. Haskins leaves behind his son, Dustin Haskins.

Dennis Haskins died in late September 2026 at age 75. The news was first released on September 28, 2026, when Jay Schachter issued a statement confirming the actor’s death. The cause of death was not specified in initial reports, and family representatives have yet to release further medical details.

Haskins was born Nov. 18, 1950, in ChattaNovember 18Tenn., and had a decades-long career in film and television. Before his breakout role, he played college basketball at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In 2000, the university named him Most Distinguished Alumnus and named a regional high school academic decathlon, The Dennis Haskins Open, after him.

Haskins made his on-screen debut in 1979 with a guest appearance on CBS’ The Dukes of Hazzard. But in 1989, he became a household name when he landed the role of Principal Richard Belding in the Disney Channel series Good Morning, Miss Bliss, opposite Hayley Mills.

The show was retooled and moved to NBC after one season, becoming the cultural phenomenon Saved by the Bell (1989–1993). Haskins’ performance as the well-meaning, often exasperated yet always caring high school principal made him a defining TV authority figure for Generation X and Millennial viewers.

He successfully reprised the role for seven more seasons on the spinoff series Saved by the Bell: The New Class, which aired from 1993 to 2000. In February 2015, Haskins joined original cast members Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen for a nostalgic sketch on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Haskins continued to work steadily outside of Bayside High. He has many television credits,s including guest or recurring roles on Mad Men, New Girl, Hot in Cleveland, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The West Wing, and How I Met Your Mother. He also starred on the big screen in Seth MacFarlane’s 2014 western comedy A Million Ways to Die in the West.

Away from the acting, Haskins was a committed musician and patriot. He went on two USO tours, entertaining troops in Kosovo, Macedonia, and Bosnia in 2000, and Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, and Kyrgyzstan in 2002. He also flew with the Blue Angels.

In a statement released to major entertainment outlets, Haskins’ agent, Jay Schachter, said he was “devastated and shocked” at the death.

It’s a terrible loss. “Everybody loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis loved him even more,” Schachter said. He was a great man, and he loved, I mean LOVED, his fans. Whatever was going on, he always had time for them. “I was a dear friend and client of his for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly.

His portrayal of Principal Belding defined a generation of 1990s television. The character provided a grounded moral center to the comedy of Saved by the Bell, a show that remains a pop culture touchstone. His death is a loss of a beloved personality who brought warmth and consistency to millions of viewers in their formative years.

As of this writing, his family or representatives have not announced a public memorial service, funeral arrangements, or tribute events. More details about his legacy or memorial plans will be added as they become available.

What was the cause of Dennis Haskins’ death?
His family or professional representatives have not publicly disclosed the cause of death.

How old was Dennis Haskins when he died?
Dennis Haskins was 75 years old. He was born on November 18, 1950.

Does any family survive November 18th?
Yes, according to industry reports, he is survived by his son, Dustin.