Dennis Haskins, best known for playing Principal Richard Belding in the 1990s sitcom Saved by the Bell, has died aged 75, his agent has said.
Haskins’ cause of death has not been released. His agent, Jay Schachter, described his death as “a tragic loss”.
“Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more,” Schachter said. “He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED his fans. He always had time for them, no matter what.”
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins studied at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga before beginning his acting career.
He had guest roles in television series including The Twilight Zone and Magnum, P.I. before taking on the role of Mr Belding, whose catchphrase was: “Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?”
Haskins also appeared in other television programmes and films, including It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Schachter said he had represented Haskins and considered him a close friend for more than two decades.
“He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly,” he said. “I’m heartbroken.”
