Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, has died at 75. His death was confirmed Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, with reports emerging from his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and his longtime representative, while the exact cause of death has not been publicly released.

Haskins had privately dealt with health problems in the later years of his life, choosing not to discuss them publicly.

What Was Dennis Haskins' Cause of Death?

A tribute from Dimples Karaoke, a Burbank venue where he was a longtime regular, said he had been battling Parkinson's disease and other health concerns for about eight years. The statement said Haskins chose not to discuss his condition publicly because he "did not want the attention."

No public statement from Haskins' representatives or another authoritative source has identified a specific medical cause.

His longtime agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed his death and described it as a "tragic loss," while emphasizing Haskins' affection for his fans. Schachter told TMZ that Haskins had been his client and close friend for more than 20 years.

Dennis Haskins Kept His Health Struggles Private

According to the Dimples tribute, Haskins deliberately avoided making his health a public subject. The venue said he would ask, "What do I even say?" when faced with discussing his condition and that it respected his wishes while helping him through his illness.

Dimples described Haskins as a regular who loved singing, meeting fans and taking photographs with them. Although the karaoke bar closed years ago, the tribute said Haskins continued to be associated with it as a "second home."

His death was first reported by ABC News Channel 9 in Chattanooga, according to TVLine, before further confirmation came from his representatives and other outlets.

Haskins became widely recognized as Principal Richard Belding, the administrator at Bayside High in Saved by the Bell. He first played the character in Good Morning, Miss Bliss before the role continued through the original Saved by the Bell series and later installments of the franchise.

He remained associated with the character for years, including appearances in Saved by the Bell: The New Class and a 2015 reunion sketch with Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Elizabeth Berkley and Tiffani Thiessen on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Beyond the franchise, Haskins worked extensively in television, with credits including The West Wing, Mad Men, New Girl, Hot in Cleveland and How I Met Your Mother. His final acting credit was in the 2020 film A Bennett Song Holiday.

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