Dennis Haskins had reportedly been battling Parkinson’s disease for years before his death, while keeping his health problems private, according to his former wife and multiple sources.
Haskins, best known for playing Principal Richard Belding in Saved by the Bell, was living in an assisted care facility, sources said. His official cause and manner of death have not been disclosed.
His former wife, Sarah Quinones, said the actor had withdrawn from close friends and confidants in recent years. She said he did not want people to know about his illnesses and stopped responding to her calls and messages, as well as those from friends checking on his condition.
Haskins’s death was announced on Monday night by his agent, Jay Schachter, who described him as both a much-loved performer and a close friend.
“It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more. He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED his fans. He always had time for them, no matter what,” Schachter said.
He added: “He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly.”
