The official cause of death for Dennis Haskins, the actor best remembered for playing Mr. Belding on Saved by the Bell, has been revealed. According to his death certificate, obtained by TMZ, Haskins passed away due to Parkinson's disease.
The actor died on September 27 in Burbank, California. It had been previously reported that Haskins was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2018, though he kept that information largely private for years.
From Good Morning, Miss Bliss to Saved by the Bell
Haskins first brought Principal Richard Belding to life on the Disney Channel series Good Morning, Miss Bliss, where he starred alongside Hayley Mills in 1989. After a single season, the project was retooled and became Saved by the Bell for NBC, the network where the actor reprised his role for the show's four seasons.
Subsequently, Haskins returned as Mr. Belding in Saved by the Bell: The New Class starting in 1993, a character he portrayed for seven more seasons until the series ended in 2000.
An extensive television career
Beyond his most iconic role, Dennis Haskins accumulated dozens of additional acting credits throughout his career. Among his works are Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, Malibu, CA, The Practice, The West Wing, The Rerun Show, The Stoneman, 7th Heaven, Going Down, Red Water, Tangy Guacamole, An Ordinary Killer, JAG, and Dead End Road.
He also appeared in productions such as It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Men of a Certain Age, The Bold and the Beautiful, Victorious, Mad Men, Emerald Acres, How I Met Your Mother, Destroy the Alpha Gammas, New Girl, Hot in Cleveland, This Isn't Working, Bill Nye Saves the World, Abstruse, Enigma, and A Bennett Song Holiday, among other projects.
His agent’s message following the news
Jay Schachter, Dennis Haskins' agent, confirmed the actor's death to Deadline in a statement highlighting the affection the performer felt for his fans. "It's a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding, and those of us who had the chance to know Dennis loved him even more. He was a great person and he loved, literally LOVED, his fans," Schachter noted.
"He always had time for them, no matter what," continued the agent, who represented Haskins for more than two decades. "He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him dearly. I am devastated," he added.
Dennis Haskins was 75 years old.
Frequently asked questions about Dennis Haskins and Saved by the Bell
What was the cause of death for Dennis Haskins?
According to his death certificate, obtained by TMZ, Dennis Haskins died from Parkinson's disease.
When did Dennis Haskins die?
The actor passed away on September 27 in Burbank, California, at the age of 75.
How long had Dennis Haskins been suffering from Parkinson’s?
It had been reported that Haskins was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2018, although he kept that information mostly private.
What role made Dennis Haskins famous?
Dennis Haskins is primarily remembered for playing Mr. Belding on Saved by the Bell, a character he originated in Good Morning, Miss Bliss and continued to play in Saved by the Bell: The New Class.
What other series did Dennis Haskins work on?
Throughout his career, he participated in numerous productions, including The West Wing, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mad Men, How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, and Victorious, in addition to other television projects.
