Saved by the Bell star Dennis Haskins' cause of death revealed as new details emerge
Saved by the Bell star Dennis Haskins' cause of death revealed as new details emerge
Chiara Fiorillo Wed, October 7, 2026 at 6:38 AM UTC
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Dennis Haskins died from Parkinson's disease, it has emerged -Credit:FayeS/MediaPunch/Shutterstock
Dennis Haskins' cause of death has been confirmed after he passed away at the end of September aged 75.
The Saved by the Bell actor's death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reportedly lists Parkinson's disease as the immediate cause of death. It also confirms Dennis passed away at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, on September 27.
Other significant conditions mentioned on the certificate include irritable bowel syndrome, depression, hypertension, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. After news of Dennis' death emerged, fans were left heartbroken and took to social media to pay tribute to him.
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The cause of death was first reported by TMZ. The publication was told that no one knew Dennis was battling Parkinson's before he died. The actor's ex-wife, Sarah Quinones, told TMZ that Dennis - who had spent his final years in an assisted-living facility - had even cut off communication with close confidants to hide his diagnosis in recent years.
The actor played Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell -Credit:NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Sarah said Dennis had stopped returning calls and texts from her and other friends because he didn't want anyone to know he was ill. Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time. As explained by the Mayo Clinic, symptoms may include tremor, slowed movement, rigid muscles, poor posture and balance, as well as nonmotor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, constipation and sleep problems.
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The risk of Parkinson's disease increases with age - with the average age of onset being around 70. There is no cure, but medicines may help symptoms get better.
Haskins' death was confirmed by his agent, Jay Schachter, who said, "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."
His ex-wife claimed Dennis didn't want anyone to know about his illnesses -Credit:AP Photo/Jordan Strauss
He went on to say, "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."
Haskins' death devastated many Saved by the Bell fans, with several taking to X to share their heartbreak over his passing. "Not Mr. Belding!! RIP Good sir," one person penned on X, while another shared, "That's so f--king sad. Dennis was the nicest man you'd ever hope to meet. RIP."
A third added, "Sad news. I loved that show growing up! Sending prayers to his loved ones RIP." A fourth remarked, "What I always admired about Dennis Haskins was how much he loved being known for Mr. Belding."
His Saved by the Bell character was loved by fans -Credit:NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Haskins rose to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s for his starring role as Principal Belding, often referred to as Mr. Belding, on the teen sitcom Saved by the Bell, which aired from 1989 to 1993.
As the authority figure at California's fictional Bayside High School, his character was famously known for trying to keep Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) and his tight-knit group of friends in line. He became widely recognized for his signature catchphrase, "Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?"
He portrayed he beloved principal across several iterations of the franchise, including Good Morning, Miss Bliss (1988-1989) and Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1993-2000). In addition to Saved by the Bell, he also appeared in other TV shows and films such as Seth MacFarlane's A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014), Mad Men, Hot in Cleveland and New Girl.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
