ACTOR Dennis Haskins, best known for playing beloved Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, has died aged 75.
Jay Schachter, Haskins’ agent of more than 20 years, confirmed the “tragic loss” in a touching tribute.
He wrote: “Everyone loved Mr. Belding, and those of us who got to know Dennis loved him even more.
“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.”
The star’s cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Haskins, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, initially played the role of Principal Belding on the show Good Morning, Miss Bliss from 1988-1989.
The series then became Saved by the Bell, which aired on NBC until 1993, followed by Saved by the Bell: The New Class from 1993-2000.
Haskins earned the nickname “America’s Favourite Principal” for his performance.
His character’s exasperated ‘Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?’ as he struggled to control his students became one of the show’s most iconic lines.
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Haskins also reprised his role in the spinoff specials Saved by the Bell: The College Years in 1993 and Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas in 1994.
Before launching his TV career, Haskins attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where the school said he was deeply involved in campus life.
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