Dennis Haskins Dies at 75 From Parkinson's Disease

Dennis Haskins, the actor who brought Principal Richard Belding to life on "Saved by the Bell," has died at age 75. The news arrived late on September 27, and his cause of death is now clear. He passed away from Parkinson's disease inside a hospital in Burbank, California. TMZ secured an official Los Angeles County Department of Public Health document that confirms this finding.

Parkinson's disease stands as the immediate cause listed on the certificate. The medical record also notes irritable bowel syndrome, depression, hypertension, and benign prostatic hyperplasia as other significant conditions present at the time of his death. His representative spoke to Fox News Digital shortly after the passing, calling Haskins a beloved friend who kept a special bond with fans even in his final days.

"It's a tragic loss," the rep said. "Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis loved him even more. 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."

Colleagues from the show poured out their memories of Haskins, who served as a familiar and reassuring figure during the teenage years of the cast. Elizabeth Berkley, famous for playing Jessie Spano, wrote on Instagram about the unique relationship she shared with him when they were all just kids. She started filming at 15, noting that six teenagers were navigating formative moments in their lives.

"Dennis was kind, protective and deeply caring," Berkley posted alongside a photo of her former co-stars. "He gave us space to be ourselves and to figure out who we were becoming, while always making us feel that he was there if we needed him." She added that he treated them as equals and professionals, respecting their craft and trusting in them. You could see his care in the way he showed up both on camera and off it. Mr. Belding couldn't have been anyone else. His love stemmed from an inherent goodness that she and her friends received every single day.

Tiffani Thiessen, who portrayed Kelly Kapowski, echoed these sentiments. She remembered Haskins as a steady presence during her own adolescence, someone who kept the cast in line while staying firmly in their corner. Her tribute highlighted his kindness and the cherished memories they shared. RIP Mr. B., she wrote.

Mario Lopez, best known for playing A.C. Slater, also paid tribute to his old friend. He noted that while Haskins played the principal, Dennis was actually the biggest kid on the set of "Saved by the Bell." If you knew him, you loved him. And if karaoke happened, everyone knew Dennis would jump right onto the microphone.

Haskins was born November 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He became one of the most recognizable faces associated with the franchise, portraying an often-exasperated Principal Belding who worked hard to keep Zack Morris and his fellow students at Bayside High on track. His journey as Mr.

Principal Belding existed before the show ever found its footing as a television hit. John Haskins originated the part on the Disney Channel series "Good Morning, Miss Bliss," a program later reworked into the phenomenon known as "Saved by the Bell." He kept playing the character through the original run and returned to reprise his role in "Saved by the Bell: The New Class," stretching his tenure as the beloved principal well past a decade.

Viewers became so attached to him that he essentially became one with the character. His frequent cry of "Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?" turned into a signature sound bite whenever Principal Belding tried to rein in Arnold Morris and his classmates. That catchphrase stuck for everyone watching.

His work extended far beyond that iconic high school setting. Haskins appeared in other notable shows including "The Dukes of Hazzard," "The West Wing," "7th Heaven," "Mad Men," "New Girl," "Hot in Cleveland" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." Each role added another layer to his long career in entertainment.

Now, the actor is survived by his son, Dustin.