Saved by the Bell star Dennis Haskins dies at 75

Dennis Haskins, best known as Principal Richard Belding on the 1990s sitcom Saved by the Bell, died on September 27, 2026, in Burbank, California, at age 75. His agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the passing to The Hollywood Reporter.

Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, described Haskins as a steady presence during her teenage years who kept the cast in line while making sure they knew he was in their corner. She said she will always remember his kindness and the memories they shared.

“Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis loved him even more.”

Lark Voorhies, who portrayed Lisa Turtle, wrote on Instagram that knowing Haskins for nearly 40 years was a true blessing. She called him a fabulous person and loyal friend with a kind, gentle heart, adding that losing him hurts deeply.

Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater, posted on X that Haskins was the biggest kid on the set and always the first to grab the microphone at karaoke. Lopez said he was grateful for the laughs, memories, and friendship.

Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeanie Buss also mourned Haskins, re-sharing a tribute from Lana Star and commenting that Dennis was a gem. Buss noted their long-standing friendship forged through Women of Wrestling events.

According to reports, Haskins had privately battled Parkinson's disease and withdrew from public life after 2018. His last public appearance was at a Los Angeles Clippers game on December 29, 2018.