Dennis Haskins, the actor who became a familiar face to millions as Principal Richard Belding on the sitcom "Saved by the Bell," died on September 28, 2026, at the age of 75.
A friend and caretaker confirmed his passing, though an official cause of death has not been released.
Haskins earned the nickname "America's Favorite Principal" for his portrayal of the head of Bayside High across multiple generations of television viewers.
Before his national fame, he was deeply involved in his hometown of Chattanooga and its local educational institutions.
Born in Chattanooga on November 18, 1950, Haskins attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Notre Dame High School before enrolling at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC).
During his college years, he participated in the student newspaper, acted with the Drama Club, and chaired the Student Government Association entertainment committee, which helped bring Ike and Tina Turner to perform on campus in 1973.
Haskins also co-founded the Harlequins community theater group, writing original plays and performing as both an actor and stage manager.
Through the Blue Key Honor Fraternity, he helped organize the annual "Freaks vs. Fuzz" charity basketball game to support police officers' children, while also assisting in getting Mocs basketball games broadcast locally on NewsChannel 9.
His signature role began in 1988 when he played Mr. Belding in Disney Channel's "Good Morning, Miss Bliss."
The show was rebranded as "Saved by the Bell" the following year, transforming into a landmark 1990s franchise.
Following his time at Bayside High, Haskins continued acting with appearances in projects such as "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and "A Million Ways to Die in the West."
