Who Was Dennis Haskins?
Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, died at age 75 after a private battle with Parkinson’s disease. Haskins died on September 27, 2026, at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California. His death was confirmed by his longtime agent, Jay Schachter, who remembered him as a beloved performer who deeply appreciated his fans.
Haskins became a familiar face to a generation of television viewers through his portrayal of the good-natured Bayside High principal. He first played Belding in Good Morning, Miss Bliss before continuing the character in Saved by the Bell and its related series.
What Was Dennis Haskins’ Cause of Death?
Haskins’ death certificate lists Parkinson’s disease as the immediate cause of death, according to reporting based on records from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The certificate also listed irritable bowel syndrome, depression, hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia as other significant health conditions.
The disclosure followed initial reports in late September that his cause of death had not been released. Haskins had kept his Parkinson’s diagnosis largely private. His longtime caretaker, Kimberly Snow, told the Los Angeles Times that he had been dealing with the disease for about eight years and did not want public attention surrounding his health.
Career
Haskins’ television career extended well beyond Saved by the Bell. He appeared in productions including The Dukes of Hazzard, Mad Men, The Bold and the Beautiful, Victorious, New Girl, How I Met Your Mother and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He also appeared in films, including A Million Ways to Die in the West.
His portrayal of Principal Belding remained his defining role. The character appeared across several Saved by the Bell productions from 1989 through 2000, giving Haskins a lasting place in television history.
Legacy
Haskins was remembered by former castmates and longtime friends for his warmth and generosity. Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle, described their decades-long friendship as deeply meaningful, while Mario Lopez and Tiffani Thiessen also paid tribute following his death.
For millions of viewers, Dennis Haskins remains inseparable from Mr. Belding, the principal who brought humor and heart to Saved by the Bell. His work across television and his enduring connection with fans form the central legacy of a career that spanned several decades.