Dennis Haskins, renowned for his portrayal of principal Richard Belding in the popular TV show “Saved by the Bell,” has passed away at the age of 75, as confirmed by his agent Jay Schachter. Expressing deep sorrow, Schachter described Haskins as a beloved figure both on and off-screen, known for his genuine affection for his fans. Haskins gained fame for his role as the caring and approachable principal at Bayside High, often remembered for his iconic catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?”

Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins initially brought Mr. Belding to life on Disney Channel’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” which later evolved into the successful series “Saved by the Bell,” running from 1989 to 1993. He continued his portrayal of the character in subsequent series like “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and in a memorable guest appearance alongside former co-stars on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2015.

Following the news of his passing, Haskins’ co-stars, including Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen, have taken to social media to express their condolences and share fond memories of their time working with him. Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, fondly remembered Haskins as a supportive presence during their teenage years, while Lopez, who portrayed A.C. Slater, praised their enduring friendship and shared moments of laughter over the years. Lark Voorhies, who starred as Lisa Turtle, described Haskins as a cherished friend with a kind and gentle heart, lamenting the loss of their shared history spanning nearly four decades.

Haskins’ acting career began in 1979 with an appearance on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” leading to a successful journey in television and film. He further showcased his talent in acclaimed productions such as “Mad Men,” “Hot in Cleveland,” “New Girl,” and Seth MacFarlane’s movie “A Million Ways to Die in the West.”