Saved By The Bell actor Dennis Haskins dies aged 75

Dennis Haskins has died aged 75 in his home in Burbank, California. A cause of death has not been confirmed. The actor is best known for his portrayal of principal Richard Belding in Saved By The Bell.

The hit US sitcom ran from 1989 to 1993, he first appeared as Principal Belding in Good Morning, Miss Bliss, the series that predated Saved By The Bell.

Haskins reprising his role in a number of spin-offs, including Saved by the Bell: The New Class, Saved By The Bell: The College Years, and TV films Saved By The Bell: Hawaiian Style and Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas.

His co-star Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle, paid tribute to him with a post on Instagram.

"Knowing Dennis Haskins for almost 40 years has been one of the truest blessings of my life, which makes losing him hurt so deeply," she wrote.

"We shared so much history together from our earliest days, and through it all, he remained a fabulous person, a loyal friend, and someone with such a kind, gentle heart. I am truly heartbroken by his passing and will miss his warmth and laughter more than words can say."

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Official Lark Voorhies (@reallarkvoorhies)

Haskin's agent Jay Schachter confirmed his death in a statement, he described his death as a "tragic loss."

"Everyone loved Mr Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more," he said.

"He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely loved, his fans.

"He always had time for them, no matter what. He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly. I’m heartbroken."

He was born in Chattanooga, Tennesse in 1950, and his first acting role was in The Dukes of Hazzard, which aired from 1979 to 1985.

Dennis Haskin's other acting credits include It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, The West Wing and the film, A Million Ways To Die In The West.