BURBANK—On September 27, actor-musician, Dennis Buttons Haskins IV best known for his role as the principal, Mr. Richard Belding, in the 1990s sitcom, “Saved by the Bell” died at 75. Haskins, who was born and raised in Tennessee, got his start in acting career before his role as the Bayside High School principal, using his catch phrase “Hey, hey, what is going on here?”
In the 1970s, he appeared on “Archie Bunker’s Place” and “The Dukes of Hazzard.” He appeared in a 1982 episode of “CHIPS” playing a factory plant worker. He appeared on the TV dramas, “Knots Landing,” “Magnum P.I.,” “The Twilight Zone” and “Good Morning Miss, Bliss.”
In 1999, he worked on the game shows, “Family Style” and “Figure it Out.” In 2001, Haskins starred appeared on “The West Wing” and as Mr. Kohl’s on “Max Keeble’s Big Move.” In 2003, he made guest appearances on “7th Heaven” and the series, “JAG.” He played Coach Murray on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
He also appeared on movies and other shows including, “Ratko,” “The Dictator’s Son,” “Victorious,” “Ocean of Pearls,” “Men of a Certain Age,” “Mad Men,” “A Million Ways to Die in the West,” “New Girl,” “Hot in Cleveland” and “Clemency.”
Haskins was also a musician releasing the album, “Karaoke with Your Favorite Principal, Dennis,” and sung a duet, “Mustang Sally,” with the WWE Wrestler, Hulk Hogan’s daughter, Brooke Hogan.
Haskins was suffering from Parkinson’s disease for the past 8 years that claimed his life. He died at an assisted living in Burbank, California. He leaves behind his son, Dustin Haskins, as well as friends and other family members.
