• Faith: Catholic
• Career: Actor
• Birthday:  November 18, 1950
• Date of Death:  September 27, 2026

Dennis Haskins was an American actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on the television sitcom Saved by the Bell and its related series. His portrayal of the good-natured, frequently exasperated Bayside High principal made him one of the franchise’s most recognizable figures. Haskins died on September 27, 2026, at age 75.

Dennis Haskins was born November 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and graduated from Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga in 1968. He later attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he became heavily involved in campus life. Haskins participated in theater, reported for the student newspaper, worked in student government and helped found the Harlequins community theater group. He also played basketball and was involved in organizing concerts and other campus events.

Haskins left college before completing his degree as his entertainment career developed, but returned decades later. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2015 with a degree in theater and speech. His longtime connection to the university also included donating scripts and memorabilia from his television career.

Before becoming a professional actor, Haskins worked behind the scenes in entertainment as a music manager, agent and concert promoter. His work included associations with performers such as Tom Jones and Gregg Allman. His early acting career included appearances on television series including The Dukes of Hazzard, Magnum, P.I. and The Twilight Zone.

Haskins found his signature role when he was cast as Principal Richard Belding on the Disney Channel series Good Morning, Miss Bliss. The character carried over when the concept was reworked into NBC’s Saved by the Bell in 1989. As principal of the fictional Bayside High School, Belding regularly tried to keep Zack Morris and his friends out of trouble while also serving as a mentor and authority figure.

Haskins remained closely associated with the franchise for more than a decade. After Saved by the Bell ended, he continued playing Belding on Saved by the Bell: The New Class from 1993 to 2000. He later made guest appearances on shows including The West Wing, 7th Heaven, How I Met Your Mother, Mad Men, Hot in Cleveland and New Girl. In 2015, he reunited with several original Saved by the Bell cast members for a sketch on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Haskins was previously married to Sarah Dianne Goins, and the couple later divorced. They had one son, Dustin. Haskins generally kept his family life outside the public spotlight. He maintained strong ties to Chattanooga throughout his career and was honored by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Notre Dame High School for his professional accomplishments.

Haskins died on September 27, 2026, at age 75. His agent confirmed his death, praising Haskins for his kindness and devotion to his fans. A longtime friend associated with Dimples Karaoke Bar in Burbank, California, later revealed that Haskins had privately battled Parkinson’s disease for approximately eight years. Haskins is survived by his son, Dustin.

Dennis Haskins' Religious Beliefs

Haskins was raised Catholic in Chattanooga and received much of his early education in Catholic schools. He attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a Catholic parish school, before attending Notre Dame High School, a Catholic school whose mission includes sharing the Catholic faith and encouraging spiritual growth.

His connection with his Catholic education continued long after he became an actor. In 2017, Haskins returned to Notre Dame High School, where he received the Distinguished Alumni Award for his professional achievements. School officials noted that he remained a loyal supporter of both Notre Dame and Our Lady of Perpetual Help and regularly visited students when returning to Chattanooga. Publicly available accounts establish Haskins’ Catholic upbringing and education, although he did not frequently discuss his religious beliefs or adult faith practices in interviews.