Dennis Haskins, Beloved Principal Belding on ‘Saved by the Bell,’ Dies at 75
Dennis Haskins, the actor who became a television icon as Principal Richard Belding on the hit teen sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” has died at the age of 75. According to his birth and death records, Haskins was born on November 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and passed away on September 27, 2026, in Burbank, California. His death marks the loss of a performer whose warmth and humor endeared him to millions of fans around the world.
Haskins was the franchise’s constant, appearing as Principal Belding throughout the show’s entire run—from the original series to “Saved by the Bell: The College Years,” “The New Class,” and multiple specials. For a generation of young teens in the early ’90s, “Saved by the Bell” was a major television touchstone, and Haskins’s portrayal of the well-meaning, often flustered principal provided some of the show’s most memorable moments. His character’s catchphrases and good-natured exasperation became part of the cultural lexicon, and he remained a beloved figure long after the show ended.
Off-screen, Haskins remained deeply connected to his supporters. He was known as one of the nicest figures in the entertainment industry—patient with admirers, grateful for the affection his character continued to receive, and always willing to deliver a beloved “Mr. Belding” moment for fans. His kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on all who met him. As one friend remembered, “We shared so much history together from our earliest days, and through it all, he remained a fabulous person, a loyal friend, and someone with such a kind, gentle heart.”
Haskins’s legacy extends beyond his most famous role. He appeared in numerous other television shows and films, and his impact on popular culture is undeniable. He is survived by his family, friends, and countless fans who grew up watching him. Dennis Haskins will be remembered not only as Principal Belding but as a genuinely good man who brought joy to others both on and off the screen.
Shimanta Das 
