Saved by the Bell actor Dennis Haskins, who played Principal Richard Belding, has died at 75 in Burbank, California.
His death was confirmed by his representative Jay Schachter, who worked alongside the actor for more than two decades.
Schachter did not disclose the cause of death, although Haskins was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2018.
The agent highlighted the strong affection Haskins maintained toward fans of the series throughout his life.
Schachter said that everybody loved Mr. Belding, and that those who knew Dennis loved him even more, noting how close the actor remained to his supporters.
Auditions and Bayside High success
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1950, Haskins began his television career in 1981 after working in the music industry.
He appeared in early roles on shows including The Dukes of Hazzard, The Greatest American Hero, and Magnum, P.I. before landing his breakout role after seven auditions.
Haskins initially portrayed the character in Good Morning, Miss Bliss, a Disney Channel series that was later redeveloped into Saved by the Bell.
As Principal Belding, he became one of the most recognizable figures on American television, known for his distinct laugh and his catchphrase asking what was going on.
The role led Haskins to star in three television movies and the spinoff series Saved by the Bell: The New Class.
Later television roles and career credits
Haskins continued to work steadily across television in the decades that followed his signature sitcom role.
His subsequent credits included guest appearances on major series such as The West Wing, JAG, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mad Men, New Girl, and How I Met Your Mother.
Over the course of his career, Haskins earned a total of 101 acting credits across film and television.
Background on Haskins and Bayside High
Saved by the Bell originally premiered on Saturday mornings, following a group of high school students and their principal at fictional Bayside High School.
Good Morning, Miss Bliss had previously aired on Disney Channel, a basic cable network, before NBC retooled the series into Saved by the Bell.
Before entering television, Haskins worked in music management and concert promotion in Chattanooga, a city in southeastern Tennessee along the Tennessee River.
Parkinson's disease, which Haskins was diagnosed with in 2018, is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects body movement and motor control.
Burbank, where Haskins passed away, is a city in Los Angeles County, California, known as a primary hub for American entertainment and television production.
