WWE Superfan and ‘Saved by the Bell’ Star Dennis Haskins Dies at 75

Dennis Haskins, the actor who brought the iconic Principal Richard Belding to life on television and was a well-known figure among wrestling enthusiasts, has died at 75. Haskins passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Burbank, California, after a private, eight-year battle with Parkinson's disease. His death was confirmed by his friend and longtime caretaker, Kimberly Snow. Benjamin Satterley Dies: AEW and Former WWE Star Passes Away Aged 40.

Haskins was a familiar face to millions, forever etched in pop culture as the earnest, often exasperated, but always supportive principal of Bayside High in the hit sitcoms "Saved by the Bell," "Good Morning, Miss Bliss," and "Saved by the Bell: The New Class." His catchphrase, "Hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?", became synonymous with his character.

A Passion for Pro Wrestling

Beyond the halls of Bayside, Haskins was a devoted and vocal superfan of professional wrestling, particularly WWE. He was a regular presence at WWE shows, often seen in the crowd, and his genuine love for the sport resonated deeply with the wrestling community.

His connection to the wrestling world gained further prominence through his appearances on Zack Ryder's popular YouTube series, "Z! True Long Island Story." Haskins also made appearances at various independent wrestling events, showcasing his commitment to the industry beyond the mainstream spotlight.

Tributes from the Wrestling World

The news of Haskins' passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from across the wrestling landscape. WWE Superstar The Miz, a friend of Haskins, expressed his sorrow on social media. "Growing up, I watched Dennis Haskins on TV and never imagined that one day I'd get to call him my friend," The Miz wrote. "He had this infectious laugh, and no matter when I saw him, he brought so much warmth and positivity with him."

Haskins' agent, Jay Schachter, also shared his grief, calling the loss "tragic." He noted Haskins' deep affection for his fans, stating, "He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED his fans. He always had time for them, no matter what." Did Dwayne Johnson Lose Weight for a WWE Return? The Rock Sets the Record Straight.

Legacy of a Beloved Actor and Fan

Born on November 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins' career spanned decades, but it was his role as Principal Belding that cemented his place in television history. Despite his widespread recognition, he kept his health struggles private, choosing not to disclose his Parkinson's diagnosis to the public for many years. His friend and caretaker noted that Haskins "did not want the attention" and would ask, "What do I even say?"

Dennis Haskins leaves behind a legacy as a cherished actor who embraced his iconic role and a true superfan who found another community in the world of professional wrestling. His warmth and genuine spirit will be missed by fans of both television and sports entertainment alike.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 29, 2026 03:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).