Chattanooga native Dennis Haskins, 'Saved by the Bell' principal, dies at 75
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Key Points:
- Dennis Haskins, best known for his role as Principal Richard Belding on "Saved by the Bell," has died at age 75; he had been privately battling Parkinson's disease.
- Haskins was a beloved figure at Dimples Karaoke in Chattanooga, where he was known for singing, meeting fans, and taking selfies, despite not owning the venue.
- Born and raised in Chattanooga, Haskins was deeply involved in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's student life, including theater, journalism, and community service.
- He first portrayed Mr. Belding on "Good Morning, Miss Bliss" in 1988, which later became the iconic 1990s sitcom "Saved by the Bell," earning him the nickname "America’s Favorite Principal."
- Beyond "Saved by the Bell," Haskins appeared in various film and TV roles, including "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and "A Million Ways to Die in the West."
