Mr. Belding was more than a Saved by the Bell icon
Summary
– Dennis Haskins has died at 75
– The actor was best known as Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell
– Haskins also became a familiar face around WWE and independent wrestling
Dennis Haskins, best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, has died at the age of 75.
His longtime agent confirmed the news, though an official cause of death has not been announced. Haskins became a television favorite after portraying Mr. Belding on Good Morning, Miss Bliss, and continued the role through Saved by the Bell and its follow-up series.
For generations of fans, Haskins was the familiar principal constantly trying to keep Zack Morris and the rest of Bayside High under control. He embraced the character for decades and remained known for his kindness toward fans.
Haskins also had a genuine passion for professional wrestling. He developed friendships with WWE stars, including The Miz and Zack Ryder, who helped bring him into the company’s orbit during Ryder’s popular Z! True Long Island Story era.
Haskins appeared on Ryder’s online series and later became the subject of a fan campaign calling for WWE to make him the General Manager of Raw. He attended WWE events, appeared in the company’s comedy content, and remained a recognizable presence at wrestling shows.
His most memorable wrestling appearance came at Pro Wrestling Syndicate’s Saved by the Ring Bell event in New Jersey. Haskins served as the special guest commissioner before getting physically involved and delivering a Stunner inside the ring.
Haskins later explained that he had considered opportunities connected to wrestling but did not want to spend most of his life traveling on the road. He remained an actor first, but his love for wrestling was clear whenever he appeared around the business.
That made Haskins’ connection to wrestling feel authentic. He was not simply a celebrity making a one-night appearance. He attended shows, built friendships with wrestlers, and even stepped into the ring when the opportunity arose.
Dennis Haskins will always be remembered as Mr. Belding, but wrestling fans also got to see a performer who genuinely loved the industry. From WWE appearances to his unforgettable Stunner, Haskins created memories that went far beyond Bayside High.
