Dennis Haskins, the actor who played Principal Belding on Saved by the Bell

Dennis Haskins Cause of Death Revealed: Mr. Belding Was 75

October 7, 2026

Dennis Haskins, the actor who played the lovable Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, died of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 75, his death certificate has revealed. The beloved sitcom star passed away on September 27, 2026, at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California — and had quietly been battling the illness for the past eight years without telling even those closest to him.

What Was Dennis Haskins’ Cause of Death?

The actor’s official cause of death was confirmed as Parkinson’s disease, listed as the immediate cause on his death certificate issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and obtained by TMZ on Tuesday. The certificate also named several other significant conditions that contributed to his declining health: irritable bowel syndrome, depression, hypertension, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Haskins, who was 75, died on September 27 at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank. His death was first confirmed by a longtime friend and caretaker and reported by WTVC, a news outlet in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Why Did Dennis Haskins Keep His Parkinson’s Diagnosis Private?

One of the most poignant details to emerge is that Haskins chose to face the illness largely alone. According to his ex-wife Sarah Quinones, who confirmed the Parkinson’s diagnosis to TMZ, the actor kept his condition private even from those closest to him — stopping responding to her and friends who reached out about his health while he was staying in an assisted living facility near the end of his life.

A karaoke bar in Burbank called Dimples, where Haskins was a regular and which he considered his “second home,” revealed in an Instagram tribute at the time of his death that he had been quietly battling Parkinson’s for the past eight years.

“He had been silent about his fight with Parkinson’s, among other health concerns, because he did not want the attention,” the bar’s post read. “He would say, ‘What do I even say?’ So I respected his wishes and stayed quiet, and I helped him through his journey into the next chapter of his life.”

Who Was Dennis Haskins?

To a generation of TV viewers, Dennis Haskins will forever be “America’s Favorite Principal” — the exasperated, warm-hearted Principal Richard Belding whose catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?”, became one of the most iconic lines of ’90s television.

Haskins first played the role on the Disney Channel series Good Morning, Miss Bliss (1988–1989). When that show was retooled and moved to NBC as Saved by the Bell (1989–1993), he carried Belding with him, overseeing the schemes of Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani Amber Thiessen), A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez), Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley), and Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies) across all four seasons. He continued in the role on Saved by the Bell: The New Class from 1993 to 2000.

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins embraced his most famous character long after the cameras stopped rolling, regularly attending fan conventions and pop-culture events. His last public appearance came at a Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs game on December 29, 2018.

How Are Fans and Co-Stars Remembering Mr. Belding?

His longtime agent, Jay Schachter, paid tribute in a statement: “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. I’m heartbroken.”

The Dimples karaoke bar summed up what so many felt: “What a cool and amazing life he had. Rest in peace, Dennis. You were very much loved and will never be forgotten.”

Haskins is the latest in a string of beloved entertainers lost this year. BuzzCapitol recently covered the passing of R&B legend Freddie Jackson and Oscar-winning actress Eva Marie Saint.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Dennis Haskins’ cause of death?
Dennis Haskins died of Parkinson’s disease, according to his official death certificate issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and obtained by TMZ.

How old was Dennis Haskins when he died?
He was 75. He died on September 27, 2026, at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California.

Who did Dennis Haskins play on Saved by the Bell?
Haskins played Principal Richard Belding — affectionately known as “Mr. Belding” — on all four seasons of Saved by the Bell (1989–1993) as well as Good Morning, Miss Bliss and Saved by the Bell: The New Class.

Did Dennis Haskins tell anyone about his Parkinson’s?
No. According to his ex-wife Sarah Quinones and a tribute from the Dimples karaoke bar, Haskins battled Parkinson’s privately for about eight years and did not disclose the diagnosis to his inner circle.