Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on the hit sitcom ‘Saved By The Bell’, has died aged 75.
Haskins’ death was confirmed by his agent, Jay Schachter, on Tuesday. No further details were immediately released.
Schachter described Haskins as a great person who deeply valued his fans.
“He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly,” Schachter said.
Saved By The Bell ran from 1989 to 1993 and followed a group of students at the fictional Bayside High School in Southern California.
Haskins played Belding, the school’s principal, who often struggled to control the teenagers and their antics.
The sitcom became known for its exaggerated storylines and was both criticised and embraced for its comedy.
Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle on the series, paid tribute to Haskins in an Instagram post.
She said knowing Haskins for almost 40 years had been “one of the truest blessings” of her life.
Voorhies described him as a loyal friend with a kind and gentle heart.
Haskins was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. According to a biography from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, he was active in his school drama club and helped establish a community theatre group.
Before pursuing acting, Haskins worked as a music manager, agent and concert promoter. His clients included Tom Jones and Gregg Allman, according to his IMDb biography.
He later appeared in television shows including The Twilight Zone and Magnum, P.I. during the 1980s.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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