"Saved by the Bell" star Dennis Haskins dies at 75

American actor Dennis Haskins, best known for playing Bayside High School Principal Richard Belding in the popular teen sitcom "Saved by the Bell," has died at age 75, according to TMZ.

The actor's death was confirmed to the outlet by his agent, Jay Schachter, who worked with and was close friends with Haskins for more than 20 years. The cause of death is not yet known.

Schachter described Haskins as a wonderful person who truly cared about his fans and always made time for them. He said everyone loved the character of Mr. Belding, but those who knew Dennis personally loved him even more.

Career and signature role

Haskins rose to wide recognition in the late 1980s and 1990s playing the school principal who tried to keep Zack Morris and the other students in line, regularly landing in comedic situations.

The actor reprised the Belding role in several spin-offs of the series, including "Saved by the Bell: The College Years" and "Saved by the Bell: The New Class." The role became Haskins' signature part for the rest of his career.