For generations of Saved by the Bell fans, Principal Richard Belding was more than the man trying to keep Zack Morris and his friends out of trouble. Dennis Haskins brought warmth, humor, and a surprisingly big heart to Bayside High, becoming one of the sitcom’s most recognizable faces.
According to PageSix, following the Dennis Haskins death at age 75, several of his former costars have shared emotional tributes to the actor they knew behind the scenes. Tiffani Thiessen, Lark Voorhies, Mario Lopez, and Mark-Paul Gosselaar remembered Haskins not simply as their television principal, but as a kind and protective presence during their formative years on the show.
Saved by the Bell Stars: Remember Dennis Haskins
Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, described Haskins as a steady figure during her teenage years and said she would always remember his kindness. Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle, said knowing him for nearly 40 years had been one of the great blessings of her life, remembering his warmth, laughter, and gentle nature.
Lopez offered one of the most affectionate glimpses of Haskins off camera, saying that although he played the principal, he was often “the biggest kid” on the set. He also remembered Haskins’ love of karaoke and thanked him for years of laughter and friendship. Gosselaar similarly recalled Haskins as something of an older brother who looked out for the younger cast members while remaining completely committed to his work as an actor.
Mr. Belding Became Part of Television History
Haskins first played Richard Belding in Good Morning, Miss Bliss, before carrying the character into Saved by the Bell. He remained connected to the role through Saved by the Bell: The New Class, ultimately portraying the beloved principal from 1988 through 2000. Along the way, Mr. Belding became known as “America’s Favorite Principal,” forever linked with Bayside High and its troublemaking students.
The Dennis Haskins death brings another emotional loss for a cast that became part of countless childhoods during the late ’80s and ’90s. Yet the tributes from his former costars make clear that his impact extended far beyond the character viewers saw on television. To them, Haskins was a friend, a mentor, and someone who helped make the Saved by the Bell set feel like a family—a fitting legacy for the man fans will always remember as Mr. B.