‘Saved by the Bell’ star Dennis Haskins’ cause of death revealed after death at 75

Dennis Haskins had quietly battled Parkinson’s disease for eight years, keeping his diagnosis private from friends and family until his final years
Dennis Haskins had quietly battled Parkinson’s disease for eight years while keeping his condition private (Getty Images)
Dennis Haskins had quietly battled Parkinson’s disease for eight years while keeping his condition private (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Saved by the Bell' star Dennis Haskins’ cause of death has been revealed, with his death certificate confirming that the actor died from Parkinson’s disease on September 27 at the age of 75.

He was best known for playing Principal Richard Belding. The document also listed several other significant health conditions and confirmed where he died.

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 12: Actor Dennis Haskins of the 1980's show Saved by The Bell performs onstage during the Strange 80's concert at The Fonda Theatre on October 12, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Dennis Haskins performed onstage during the Strange 80’s concert at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles in 2018 (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

Dennis Haskins’ death certificate confirms Parkinson’s disease

Haskins’ death certificate, obtained by TMZ on Tuesday, confirmed Parkinson’s disease as his cause of death. Other significant conditions listed on the document included irritable bowel syndrome, depression, hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The certificate also confirmed that Haskins died at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California. His death was confirmed by a longtime friend and caretaker and reported by WTVC, a news outlet in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - MAY 01:  Actor Dennis Haskins poses for portrait at the Saved By the Max Los Angeles opening night pop up on May 1, 2018 in West Hollywood, California.  (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Dennis Haskins posed for a portrait at the Saved By the Max Los Angeles opening night pop-up in 2018 (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

Haskins’ agent, Jay Schachter, remembered the actor as someone who was deeply loved by fans and those who knew him personally.

“It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding, and those of us who got to know Dennis loved him even more. He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED, his fans,” Schachter told The Hollywood Reporter.

He continued, “He always had time for them, no matter what. He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly. I’m heartbroken.”

The cast and creator of NBC sitcom 'Saved by the Bell' ((back row) American actress Lark Voorhies, American actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar, American actor Mario Lopez, and series creator, American author and screenwriter Sam Bobrick (1932-2019), (front row) American actress Tiffani Amber Thiessen, American actress Elizabeth Berkley, American actor Dennis Haskins, attending an NBC 'Hot Shots' event, circa 1990.  (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)
Lark Voorhies, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Tiffani Amber Thiessen, Elizabeth Berkley and Dennis Haskins attended an NBC event circa 1990 (Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)

Dennis Haskins remembered by 'Saved by the Bell' cast

Dimples, a karaoke bar in Burbank where Haskins was considered a “staple” and regarded the establishment as his “second home,” also revealed after his death that he had quietly battled Parkinson’s disease for eight years.

The establishment said Haskins had remained silent about his condition and other health concerns because he did not want attention. His ex-wife, Sarah Quinones, later confirmed that Haskins had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and had kept his condition private, even from people closest to him.

She said he stopped responding to her and friends who reached out about his health while staying at an assisted living facility near the end of his life.

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 10:  Musician Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and actor Dennis Haskins attend the T.J. Martell Foundations 2nd Annual Let's Talk Nashville event at Hutton Hotel on September 10, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images)
Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and Dennis Haskins attended the TJ Martell Foundation’s 2nd Annual Let’s Talk Nashville event in 2015 (Terry Wyatt/Getty Images)

Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, remembered Haskins as “a steady presence” during her teenage years. She said she would “always remember [Haskins’] kindness” and remain grateful for the memories shared by the cast.

Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle, wrote on Instagram that she was “truly heartbroken” by his passing. She said knowing Haskins for almost 40 years had been “one of the truest blessings” of her life and described him as “a fabulous person, a loyal friend” with “such a kind, gentle heart.”

Mario Lopez, who played AC Slater, also shared his reaction on X. Calling himself “heartbroken,” Lopez said Haskins “was the biggest kid on the SBTB set.” He added that if there was karaoke, “you knew Dennis was getting on that mic!”

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