Saved by the Bell Alumni Say Farewell to Principal Belding

Mario Lopez and Tiffani Thiessen pay tribute to Dennis Haskins, a “reassuring presence” during their teenage years.

Bayside’s family is in mourning.

After the disappearance of Dennis Haskins, several alumni of Saved by the Bell paid tribute to the man who played Principal Belding, the authority of the establishment in the face of the stupidities of Zack, Slater, Kelly and the others.

Mario Lopez, aka AC Slater during the four seasons of the original series and its TV films, said he was “heartbroken” by the disappearance of his former partner. He especially remembers a man who was “the biggest kid” on set.

“If you knew him, you loved him – and if there was karaoke, you knew Dennis was going to take the mic! I’m grateful for the laughs, memories and friendship we shared all these years. Rest in peace, my friend. You will always be a part of our Bayside family.”

Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski in the original series before reprising the role in the revival, also spoke.

She describes Haskins as a “reassuring presence during my teenage years.”

“I will always remember his kindness and be grateful for all the memories we were able to share with him as cast members.”

Principal Belding was one of the essential faces of Saved by the Bell. Dennis Haskins first introduced the character in Good Morning, Miss Bliss, before returning to him in Saved by the Bell, then for seven seasons of Saved by the Bell: The Next Class.

Haskins died at the age of 75. His death was announced Monday September 28 by his agent, Jay Schachter. TMZ later reported that the actor was quietly suffering from Parkinson’s disease.