Longtime television actor Dennis Haskins, who gained international fame as Principal Richard Belding on the hit sitcom Saved by the Bell, has died at the age of 75. His death was confirmed on September 28, 2026, by statements from his close friend and caretaker, with local outlet NewsChannel 9 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, breaking the initial report.
- Early Life and Roots in Chattanooga
- Stepping Into the Hallways of Bayside High
- A Passion for Professional Wrestling
- Later Career and Legacy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Dennis Haskins pass away?
- What role was Dennis Haskins most famous for playing?
- Did Dennis Haskins have any health struggles later in life?
- Where was Dennis Haskins from?
- Was Dennis Haskins involved with professional wrestling?
While official medical examiners have not released a confirmed cause of death, representatives from Dimples Karaoke, a location Haskins frequently visited, noted that the beloved actor had been battling Parkinson’s disease prior to his passing. Haskins was remembered fondly by staff and patrons at the establishment as a warm regular who brought joy to everyone around him.
Early Life and Roots in Chattanooga
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on November 18, 1950, Dennis Haskins was deeply connected to his hometown long before achieving Hollywood success. He attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Notre Dame High School, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC).
During his college years, Haskins was active on campus. He reported for the student newspaper, performed with the Drama Club and Harlequins, served as the Student Government Association entertainment chairman, and belonged to the Blue Key Honor Fraternity and the Raven’s Society. As entertainment chairman, he helped bring Ike and Tina Turner to UTC in 1973 and coordinated efforts to televise Mocs basketball games on NewsChannel 9.
Stepping Into the Hallways of Bayside High
Haskins began his professional screen career in the late 1970s and 1980s with guest roles on series like The Dukes of Hazzard. His career-defining break came in 1988 when he was cast as Principal Richard Belding in the Disney Channel series Good Morning, Miss Bliss.
The show was retooled and officially renamed Saved by the Bell in 1989, transforming into a defining television phenomenon of the 1990s. As the primary adult anchor of the main cast, Haskins spent years keeping mischievous students like Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), Samuel “Screech” Powers (Dustin Diamond), Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani Thiessen), Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley), Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies), and A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez) in line.
His portrayal earned him the affectionate moniker “America’s Favorite Principal.” Haskins embraced the character for decades, reprising the role in spin-offs like Saved by the Bell: The New Class, Saved by the Bell: The College Years, television movies, parody sketches on late-night television, and various guest appearances.
A Passion for Professional Wrestling
Outside of his work at Bayside High, Haskins was recognized in pop culture circles as a dedicated superfan of professional wrestling. His enthusiasm led to friendships with WWE stars such as The Miz and Zack Ryder.
In late 2011, online fan campaigns pushed for WWE to appoint Haskins as the on-screen General Manager of Monday Night RAW, an idea acknowledged by the promotion itself. Haskins subsequently appeared ringside at events, featured in WWE digital comedy programming like The JBL & Cole Show, and stepped into the squared circle for independent promotions, delivering a memorable Stunner at a Pro Wrestling Syndicate event in 2012.
Later Career and Legacy
Following his time on Saved by the Bell, Haskins continued working in film and television, taking on diverse guest roles in modern hits like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and the feature film A Million Ways to Die in the West.
He is remembered by millions of fans worldwide as a generous, approachable performer who happily celebrated the nostalgic impact of his work while forging authentic bonds with generations of viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Dennis Haskins pass away?
Dennis Haskins passed away on September 28, 2026, at the age of 75.
What role was Dennis Haskins most famous for playing?
He was best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on the hit 1990s sitcom Saved by the Bell.
Did Dennis Haskins have any health struggles later in life?
Yes, representatives from Dimples Karaoke confirmed that Haskins had been battling Parkinson’s disease prior to his death, though an official medical cause of death was not immediately released.
Where was Dennis Haskins from?
He was a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he also attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Was Dennis Haskins involved with professional wrestling?
Yes, he was a well-known WWE superfan, friend to several professional wrestlers, and made special appearances for both WWE and independent wrestling promotions.
