'Saved by the Bell' Forever Principal Dennis Haskins Dies at 75

Dennis Haskins, the actor beloved by generations of viewers for his role as Richard Belding, the stern but kindhearted principal in the legendary 1990s American teen sitcom 'Saved by the Bell,' has died. He was 75.

■ Agent mourns tragic loss: “We have lost Principal Belding, who comforted generations”

Jay Schachter, head of Dennis Haskins' agency Stewart Talent and his agent of 20 years, announced the actor's death in a statement on the 28th local time, according to U.S. entertainment media. The specific cause and circumstances of his death were not disclosed.

Schachter called it “an incredibly tragic loss” and struggled to contain his grief. “The character of Principal Belding was deeply loved by fans around the world, but those of us who knew Dennis personally loved him so much more,” he said. “He was truly a great man and an artist who loved his fans more than anyone else — genuinely and with all his heart.” He added: “I will miss my client and cherished friend of more than 20 years terribly. My heart is broken,” he said in his final tribute.

■ From music manager to 1990s teen icon: A career full of twists

Born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Dennis Haskins had an unusual background as a music manager and concert promoter who worked behind the scenes in entertainment. In his younger years, he managed the music careers of such legendary artists as folk-pop singer Tom Jones and Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band.

He later turned to acting and began gaining recognition in supporting roles on shows including 'Magnum P.I.' and 'The Twilight Zone.' His career took a decisive turn in 1988 when he was cast as Principal Richard Belding on Disney Channel's 'Good Morning, Miss Bliss.'

The show was reworked the following year as 'Saved by the Bell' on NBC and ran through 1993, becoming a breakout hit. Haskins won over teen audiences across North America as the principal who dealt with his students' outrageous schemes and pranks while radiating an irresistible humanity.

■ The steady presence who stayed for more than a decade: Fans worldwide pay tribute

Even after the original series ended, Haskins continued playing Principal Belding in the follow-up series 'Saved by the Bell: The New Class' from 1993 through 2000, living as the character for more than a decade.

He continued to demonstrate his passion for acting, appearing regularly as a standout character actor in numerous films and television shows, including the hit sitcom 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.'

News of the sudden passing of the forever Principal Belding, who gave viewers the wistful memories and infectious laughter of their school days in the 1990s, has prompted fans around the world who grew up watching the sitcom, along with his Hollywood colleagues, to share their grief and pay tribute on social media.