Dennis Haskins, best known worldwide for playing Principal Richard “Mr. Belding” on Saved by the Bell, has died, his representative Jay Schachter confirmed. The actor’s death brings an end to a career spanning several decades in television and film, defined especially by the character that made him a familiar face to generations of viewers. Here’s everything we know about his death.
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How did Dennis Haskins die?
The cause of Dennis Haskins’ death has not been publicly disclosed. His representative, Jay Schachter, confirmed his death and highlighted the close relationship the actor maintained with his fans over the years.
After news of his death broke, the Instagram account for the former Dimples Karaoke bar, a Burbank establishment that closed more than a decade ago and was reportedly a regular hangout for the actor, shared a message about his health. The post said that Haskins had been living with Parkinson’s disease for several years.
According to information shared afterward, the actor had been staying at a care facility, and the room where he was staying was reportedly funded by a foundation associated with the Mario Lopez Golf Classic. Mario Lopez was one of his co-stars on Saved by the Bell. So far, this information has not been confirmed by his family.
How old was Dennis Haskins?
Dennis Haskins was 75 years old at the time of his death.
What was Dennis Haskins’ net worth?
Available estimates put Dennis Haskins’ net worth at around $400,000. Some websites that track celebrity net worth have reported different figures over the years, with estimates ranging from approximately $300,000 to between $100,000 and $1 million.
Who was Dennis Haskins?
Dennis Haskins was born on November 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He attended Notre Dame High School and later studied at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he played basketball and was a member of the cheerleading squad. He was also a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
Before establishing himself as an actor, Haskins worked in the music industry as a concert promoter and manager. During that period, he was associated with artists including Tom Jones and Gregg Allman.
His acting career began with television appearances in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He appeared in productions including The Dukes of Hazzard, Archie Bunker’s Place, CHiPs, The Fall Guy, Knots Landing, Magnum, P.I., The Twilight Zone and The Greatest American Hero.
The role that defined his career came with Richard Belding. Haskins first played the character on Good Morning, Miss Bliss, a Disney Channel series that was later reworked into Saved by the Bell. The new series premiered in 1989 and turned the Bayside High principal into his most recognizable character.
Haskins continued playing Belding throughout Saved by the Bell and later reprised the role in Saved by the Bell: The College Years and Saved by the Bell: The New Class. He also appeared in the television movies Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style and Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas.
Outside the franchise, he built an extensive television résumé with appearances in shows such as The West Wing, 7th Heaven, JAG, The Practice, Men of a Certain Age, The Bold and the Beautiful, Mad Men, How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, Hot in Cleveland and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. His film credits included Max Keeble’s Big Move, Red Water, A Million Ways to Die in the West and Clemency.
In addition to acting, Haskins explored music. In 2009, he released the album Karaoke with Your Favorite Principal Dennis, featuring covers of popular songs. He also appeared in various music videos and projects connected to the television culture that shaped his career.
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Dennis Haskins’ death was confirmed by his representative, Jay Schachter, prompting messages of condolences from fans and fellow actors Read More