For millions of “Saved by the Bell” fans, Dennis Haskins will forever be Mr. Belding — the lovable, often-exasperated principal who spent years trying to keep Zack Morris and the rest of the Bayside High gang out of trouble.

But as news spread of Haskins’ death at age 75, those who knew him best remembered something more than the television character that made him famous. They remembered a man who genuinely loved the people who loved him.

“Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis loved him even more,” his agent and longtime friend Jay Schachter said. “He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED his fans.”

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

Born Nov. 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins began playing Principal Richard Belding before “Saved by the Bell” even existed. He originated the role on the Disney Channel series “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” which was later reworked into the NBC sitcom that became a defining television show for a generation of young viewers.

From 1988 to 2000, Haskins played Belding across “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” “Saved by the Bell” and “Saved by the Bell: The New Class.” His booming “Hey, hey, hey!” became one of the franchise’s signature lines as Belding attempted to rein in Zack Morris and his classmates.

Haskins embraced the character long after leaving Bayside behind. In 2015, he joined several original cast members for a nostalgic “Saved by the Bell” reunion on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” once again stepping into the halls of Bayside High.

His career extended well beyond Mr. Belding, with appearances on “The West Wing,” “7th Heaven,” “Mad Men,” “New Girl,” “Hot in Cleveland” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

Haskins’ final known public appearance came in December 2018, when he attended a Los Angeles Clippers game. Photos from the night showed the actor dressed in a suit and smiling from the stands.

His official cause of death has not been announced. However, a Burbank karaoke bar where Haskins was reportedly a longtime regular claimed in a tribute that the actor had quietly battled Parkinson’s disease and other health concerns.

“He had been silent about his fight with Parkinson’s, among other health concerns, because he did not want the attention,” the tribute read.

The message ended by remembering Haskins not for his illness, but for the life he lived.

“What a cool and amazing life he had. Rest in peace, Dennis. You were very much loved and will never be forgotten.”

For fans who grew up watching “Saved by the Bell,” Haskins was the principal who somehow managed to be an authority figure, comic foil and reassuring presence all at once. But perhaps the more meaningful legacy is the one described by those who knew him personally: He appreciated his fans, made time for people and never seemed to forget how fortunate he was to play a character they loved.

Mr. Belding may have belonged to Bayside High, but Dennis Haskins belonged to the generations of fans who never stopped smiling when they heard, “Hey, hey, hey!”

Haskins is survived by his son, Dustin.