Dennis Haskins, Saved by the Bell's Mr. Belding, dies at 75
Dennis Haskins, who played Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, has died at 75. Costar Tiffani Thiessen mourned his kindness as fans shared RIP tributes. The same news cycle also spotlighted Elizabeth Hurley, now tending an apple orchard.
Haskins became known to a generation of fans as Bayside High principal Richard Belding. His death at 75 was confirmed in multiple reports, though a cause has not been disclosed. More updates are gathering in our celebrity breaking news hub.
Key Takeaways
- Dennis Haskins, Saved by the Bell's Principal Belding, has died at 75.
- Tiffani Thiessen remembered his kindness and steady presence on set.
- He appeared in 86 episodes of the original series and 143 of The New Class.
- Elizabeth Hurley separately shared progress rehabilitating an apple orchard.
- Later in life, Haskins was a celebrity golf fixture and beloved party personality.
Who was Dennis Haskins and why does his death matter?
Haskins was best known as Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell during the early 1990s. According to AL.com, he appeared in 86 episodes of the show from 1989 through 1992.
Mr. Belding first appeared on Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which aired on the Disney Channel in 1988. Haskins later returned for Saved by the Bell: The New Class, landing in 143 episodes from 1993 through 2000.
His other credits included Mad Men, The Bold and the Beautiful, Men of a Certain Age, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, JAG, The Practice, The Twilight Zone, The Dukes of Hazzard, Knots Landing, Archie Bunker's Place, Simon & Simon and Magnum P.I.
How did Saved by the Bell costars react?
Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, posted a tribute after learning Haskins had died. "Dennis Haskins was a steady presence in my teenage years, the kind of figure who kept us in line while making sure we knew he was in our corner," she wrote.
"I will always remember his kindness and be grateful for the memories we as a cast got to share with him. RIP, Mr. B," Thiessen added, as reported by AL.com.
What else circulated with Elizabeth Hurley in the same news cycle?
A Fox News OutKick column marking RIP Mr. Belding also highlighted Elizabeth Hurley. The actress, 61, said she has an ancient, neglected orchard she finally started working on this summer.
"It still needs tons of work but here's the results of this year's effort, all hand picked by me and my family," Hurley wrote, according to Fox News OutKick.
That piece also remembered Haskins later in life as a celebrity golf tournament fixture and beloved party personality who valued friendships and laughter.
What is known about how Dennis Haskins died?
Coverage confirms Haskins died at 75. AL.com reports that his cause of death has not been disclosed. Fans continue remembering the actor who defined a sitcom principal for millions.