Dennis Haskins, best recognized for portraying Mr. Belding in the beloved television series “Saved by the Bell,” passed away on Sunday night at a care facility in Burbank, California, as confirmed by his long-time agent, Jay Schachter.
The actor, who gained international fame for his role as the Bayside High principal from 1989 to 1992, was 75 years old. Schachter shared the news with Variety on Monday. Details regarding the cause of death have not yet been disclosed.
In a heartfelt statement, Schachter expressed, “It is a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding, and those of us who had the chance to know Dennis loved him even more. He was a wonderful man who truly adored his fans and always made time for them, no matter the situation. He was my client and a dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly.”
Haskins was a constant presence in “Saved by the Bell,” appearing in nearly 90 episodes throughout its original run. He also reprised his role in spin-offs like “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” the television movie “Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style,” and its precursor series, “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” which aired in 1988.
Notably, his character was famous for the catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what’s going on here?” typically uttered when he attempted to discipline students Zack Morris, A.C. Slater, and Screech Powers.
In addition to his iconic role, Haskins appeared in several other films and television shows, including “Abstruse,” “A Million Ways to Die in the West,” “A Bennett Song Holiday,” “Trailer Park Shark,” and “Jennifer Falls.”
