Dennis Haskins dies at 75: ‘Saved by the Bell’s’ Mr. Belding remembered beyond Bayside High

The actor Dennis Haskins, known to millions of television viewers as ‘Bayside High School principal Richard Belding’ in Saved by the Bell, has died at 75. Haskins' death was announced by his friend and caregiver, with the Tennessee-based WTVC station stating on September 28, 2026, that no cause of death has formally emerged.

The passing of Haskins followed a number of years when he kept much of his ill health out of the public spotlight. In an online message honoring him, a Chattanooga’s local joint called Dimples Karaoke stated that he had been suffering from Parkinson's and some other illnesses for a number of years now. The statement added that he never wanted people to know about his health problem and so he never brought it up in public.

“About eight years ago, he became ill. He had been silent about his fight with Parkinson’s, among other health concerns, because he did not want the attention. He did not want to have to tell people. He would say, “What do I even say,” said the Instagram post.


Crucially, however, this information about Parkinson's cannot be taken to prove its role in his death.

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How Dennis Haskins became Mr. Belding

Haskins first portrayed Mr. Belding in "Good Morning, Miss Bliss," which was broadcast on Disney Channel in 1988. One year later, "Saved by the Bell" was created, and Belding became one of the notable adults in the series by becoming a serious, though understanding at times, principal.

Haskins kept on portraying Belding in "Saved by the Bell" and even in "Saved by the Bell: The New Class," with his role lasting until 2000.

Though playing Principal Belding became his most famous role, he kept on acting both in TV and films after leaving Bayside High. According to WTVC, his later works include "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and "A Million Ways to Die in the West."

From Chattanooga to Bayside High

Haskins was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on November 18, 1950 and attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Notre Dame High School, followed by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The university archives refer to him as an engaged individual who had been involved with the student newspaper, drama club and Harlequins, and was the entertainment chairman for the Student Government Association.

Haskins organized concerts for Ike and Tina Turner to perform at UTC in 1973. He was also responsible for organizing a yearly basketball event for raising scholarships for the children of UTC and Chattanooga police force through Blue Key.