'Saved by the Bell' actor dies

S. actor Dennis Haskins, known for his role as Mr Belding in Saved by the Bell, has died. He was 75.

His agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the news of his death, which occurred on Sunday in Burbank, California. 

Mr Schachter said, “It’s a tragic loss. 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 circumstances behind the cause of his death are yet to be disclosed.

Mr Haskins was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on November 18, 1950. Before pursuing a professional acting career, he worked in the music industry as a manager, agent, and concert promoter, alongside artists such as Tom Jones and Gregg Allman.

In 1981, he secured his first role as a workman on Archer’s Bunker’s Place. He became internationally recognised for playing Principal Richard Belding, also known as Mr Belding, in Good Morning, Miss Bliss. The show was later reworked as Saved by the Bell, aired on NBC, and retained the character.

The sitcom star also appeared in other television and film, including The West Wing, 7th Heaven, JAG, How I Met Your Mother, Mad Men, New Girl, Hot in Cleveland, The Dukes of Hazzard, Magnum, P.I. The Twilight Zone and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. 

Mr Haskins returned to his hometown and secured a bachelor’s degree in theatre in 2015.

He married Sarah Dianne Goins, and they had a son, Dustin Haskins, before they divorced.