A Tragic Loss Confirmed by Longtime Representation

Haskins passed away on Sunday at his home in Burbank, California, according to reporting cited by ABC News4. While a specific cause of death was not initially released by representatives, reports including those from ABC News4 noted that the actor had Parkinson’s.

Schachter, who represented Haskins for more than two decades, paid tribute to a man who extended his warmth far beyond the television screen. 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. He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly. I’m heartbroken.

Co-Stars and Friends Remember a Gentle Heart

Tributes quickly flooded social media from colleagues and admirers who remembered Haskins not just as a veteran performer, but as a steadfast and loyal companion. Lark Voorhies, who starred alongside Haskins as Lisa Turtle, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram detailing their decades-long bond.

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, Voorhies wrote, noting that knowing him for nearly 40 years was one of the truest blessings of her life. I am truly heartbroken by his passing and will miss his warmth and laughter more than words can say. Rest in peace Dennis, you will always hold a special place in my heart.

Other members of the entertainment community also shared memories of encountering the amiable actor. Actor Luke Barnett posted a remembrance on X, recalling a night 15 years prior when Haskins showed up in the audience of a tiny Burbank theatre staging Saved by the Bell: The Musical. Nicest guy in the world, Barnett wrote, recalling Haskins as a regular at Dimples where he would enjoy a whiskey ginger or participate in karaoke. Was one of my first ‘oh wow, a guy I watched on TV is hanging out like a normal dude’ moments after moving to LA. RIP to the legend Dennis Haskins.

From Chattanooga Roots to Bayside High

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins built a prolific career that extended far beyond the hallways of Bayside High. Before cementing his television legacy, he broke into the medium with appearances in The Dukes Of Hazzard. However, it was the role of Principal Richard Belding that would define his professional life for more than a decade.

Haskins originally inhabited the character in Good Morning, Miss Bliss, the series that served as the precursor to Saved By The Bell. He then played Mr. Belding in the core NBC teen sitcom from 1989 to 1993, before transitioning to the sequel series Saved By The Bell: The New Class, which ran from 1993 to 2000. His omnipresent presence in the franchise also included Saved By The Bell: The College Years and the television films Saved By The Bell: Hawaiian Style and Saved By The Bell: Wedding In Las Vegas.

Beyond his signature role, Haskins leaned into pop culture appreciation of his persona. He released a music album inspired by the character titled Karaoke with Your favourite Principal Dennis and made appearances on a YouTube series hosted by professional wrestler Zack Ryder as an avid WWE fan. His extensive guest-star credits in the 2000s included notable television hits such as The West Wing, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Mad Men, How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, and the feature film A Million Ways To Die In The West.

Haskins is survived by his son, Dustin Haskins. His passing comes five years after the 2021 death of his former Saved By The Bell co-star Dustin Diamond, who played Samuel ‘Screech’ Powers.