YouTube/Jimmy Fallon
We now know the cause of death for Dennis Haskins, the actor who played Principal Richard Belding on 80s/90s smash hit TV show Saved by the Bell.
TMZ obtained a copy of his death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and it lists Parkinson’s disease as the primary cause of death. He also suffered from depression, IBS, hypertension, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Sadly, he became somewhat of a recluse in his final years, per the outlet, living at an assisted-living facility but choosing to cut off contact with close friends and ex-wife Sarah Quinones. It’s believed he didn’t want others knowing he was battling Parkinson’s.
With over 100 acting credits to his name, Dennis was always working hard through at least 2020. He played parts in Mad Men, The New Girl, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The West Wing, 7th Heaven, and so much more.
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Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, shared her tribute via Insta Stories when news first broke of his death in late September, writing:
“Dennis Haskins was a steady presence in my teenage years, the kind of figure who kept us in line while making sure we knew he was in our corner. I will always remember his kindness and be grateful for the memories we as a cast got to share with him. RIP Mr. B”
Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater, shared a photo with him to Instagram, calling him everyone’s “favorite principal”.
Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle, also shared a photo of him on Insta, captioning it:
“Knowing Dennis Haskins for almost 40 years has been one of the truest blessings of my life, which makes losing him hurt so deeply. We shared so much history together from our earliest days, and through it all, he remained a fabulous person, a loyal friend, and someone with such a kind, gentle heart. I am truly heartbroken by his passing and will miss his warmth and laughter more than words can say. Rest in peace Dennis, you will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Watch the Saved by the Bell reunion Jimmy Fallon hosted a decade ago here:
Dennis passed away at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center on September 27 in Burbank, California. He was 75.
May he rest in peace.
[Image via Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon/YouTube.]