Dennis Haskins, the actor known for playing Principal Richard Belding in Saved by the Bell, has died at 75. His friend and caretaker shared the news of his demise.
A statement also came from Dimples Karaoke, where Haskins was a regular.
“Dennis was a staple at Dimples. A lot of people thought he owned it, but he didn’t. He just loved the place and its people. He enjoyed singing for people, meeting them, and taking selfies with his fans. Dimples closed down about 11 years ago, and people still associate him with his beloved “second home.” He was known to most as Mr. Belding from Saved by the Bell, but to us, he was much more than that.”
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“Late last night, that journey ended for him. He is now at peace and is probably entertaining the people in the sky. Just know that if you tried to reach out to him in the last few years, I did read your messages to him, and you were heard. After I said my final goodbyes to him last night, I was across the hall signing some paperwork. I looked up and saw that the room he had been in was a gift from the Mario Lopez Golf Classic, and somehow, that made me feel a little better. What a cool and amazing life he had. Rest in peace, Dennis. You were very much loved and will never be forgotten.”
{{/usCountry}}“Late last night, that journey ended for him. He is now at peace and is probably entertaining the people in the sky. Just know that if you tried to reach out to him in the last few years, I did read your messages to him, and you were heard. After I said my final goodbyes to him last night, I was across the hall signing some paperwork. I looked up and saw that the room he had been in was a gift from the Mario Lopez Golf Classic, and somehow, that made me feel a little better. What a cool and amazing life he had. Rest in peace, Dennis. You were very much loved and will never be forgotten.”
{{/usCountry}}Dennis Haskins cause of death: What happened to actor?
An official cause of death for Haskins was not mentioned. However, the actor battled with Parkinson's.
“About eight years ago, he became ill. He had been silent about his fight with Parkinson’s, among other health concerns, because he did not want the attention. He did not want to have to tell people. He would say, “What do I even say?” So I respected his wishes and stayed quiet, and I helped him through his journey into the next chapter of his life,” the statement added.
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Parkinson's is a long-term brain disorder that affects movement and coordination, getting worse over time.
Dennis Haskins: Tributes pour in
Several people paid tributes to Haskins. One said “Saved bye the Bell Principle Dennis Haskins passes away at 75 grew up watching that show RIP Fine Sir”. Another added “He was everybody's Principal. He was both comic relief and the voice of wisdom that the kids needed. He was a big part of my teenage years. Thank you for everything Dennis Haskins. RIP Mr. B.”