Dennis Haskins death reason: Saved by the Bell star did not 'want to tell people’ about his health issues as he died at 75

Dennis Haskins, best known for playing Principal Richard Belding in the popular sitcom Saved by the Bell, has died at the age of 75. The news of his demise was shared by his friend and caretaker. Away from the silver screen, he was closely associated with Dimples Karaoke, where he was regular and the place was called his "second home". In a post by the venue, it was revealed that the actor was battling Parkinson's silently, without wanting to share it with the world. According to IMDB, Haskins worked in the entertainment industry in several capacities before establishing himself as an actor, including as a music manager, agent and concert promoter. His clients included musicians Tom Jones and Gregg Allman.

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins appeared in numerous television shows, including The Twilight Zone and Magnum, P.I. But, his defining role came as Principal Belding, which he played across seven television series, including Good Morning, Miss Bliss, Saved by the Bell, The College Years, The New Class and Victorious.

An emotional goodbye note from his "second home"

Following news of his death, Dimples Karaoke, where Haskins was a regular, shared an emotional statement remembering the actor’s connection with the venue. The statement described Haskins as a “staple at Dimples” and noted that many people assumed he owned the establishment. According to the venue, however, he simply “loved the place and its people”. He enjoyed singing for visitors, meeting fans and taking selfies with them.


Although Dimples closed around 11 years ago, the statement said people continued to associate Haskins with the venue as his beloved “second home”. While he was known to most as Mr. Belding from Saved by the Bell, those at Dimples remembered him as “much more than that”.

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His battle with Parkinson's

The Dimples Karaoke statement also shed light on Haskins’ final years, revealing that he had become ill about eight years ago. According to the statement, Haskins had remained silent about his fight with Parkinson’s, along with other health concerns, because he “did not want the attention”. He also “did not want to have to tell people” about what he was going through and reportedly asked, “What do I even say?” The post read that his wish was respected and they stayed quiet and helped Haskins through his journey.

Following his death, the statement said his journey had ended and that he was “now at peace”. It also revealed that messages from fans who had tried to contact Haskins in recent years were read to him, with the post assuring them that “you were heard”. The tribute recalled saying final goodbyes to Haskins and later discovering that the room where he had been staying was a gift from the Mario Lopez Golf Classic. The gesture, the statement said, brought some comfort.

It ended by remembering Haskins as having lived a “cool and amazing life”, adding that he was “very much loved” and would “never be forgotten”.

Internet reacts

Internet users mourned Haskins’ death, with one calling him an “old friend” and remembering the “plenty of good times” they shared in LA and NYC. Another recalled serving him at a bar and described him as the “sweetest guy.” A fan said Saved by the Bell was “sacred” in their house, while another remembered Mr. Belding’s iconic “Hey, hey, hey” moment and shared a heartfelt “Rest in Peace, Dennis Haskins.”

About Dennis Haskins work

Haskins first took on the role of Principal Richard Belding in Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which aired on the Disney Channel in 1988. He had reportedly auditioned seven times for the part before landing the character who would become his most recognisable television role. After Good Morning, Miss Bliss was retooled as Saved by the Bell on NBC, Haskins continued as Mr. Belding and became the only adult member of the regular cast. The sitcom ran from 1989 to 1993 and followed a group of teenagers navigating school, friendships and growing up under the watch of the often exasperated principal. Haskins later reprised the role in Saved by the Bell: The New Class.

He also had a brief cameo as himself in the 2006 film The Boys & Girls Guide to Getting Down.