Mario Lopez & More Saved by the Bell Stars Share Heartfelt Tributes to Dennis Haskins

Several Saved by the Bell stars are paying tribute to Dennis Haskins after his death earlier this week. Actors Mario Lopez and Tiffani Thiessen took to social media to remember their on-screen principal, sharing anecdotes about their collaboration on the sitcom.

In a new social media post, Lopez wrote that he was “heartbroken” to hear about Haskins’ passing, adding that he was “the biggest kid” on the sets. “If you knew him, you loved him—and if there was karaoke, you knew Dennis was getting on that mic!” wrote Lopez. “I’m grateful for the laughs, the memories, and the friendship we shared all these years. Rest easy, my friend. You’ll always be part of our Bayside family.”

Mario Lopez played A.C. Slater throughout the four seasons of Saved by the Bell and in TV films. He reprised the role in its sequels and revival.

In a separate post, Thiessen called Haskins a “steady presence” during her teenage years. “I will always remember his kindness and be grateful for the memories we as a cast got to share with him,” Thiessen wrote.

Tiffani Thiessen played Kelly Kapowski on the original show and reprised the role in the revival.

Dennis Haskins’ Principal Belding character was beloved by many

Dennis Haskins’ Principal Belding was an iconic part of the show, debuting in the original series, Good Morning, Miss Bliss. After playing the character for two years, he reprised the role in the retooled Saved by the Bell and in seven seasons of Saved by the Bell: The New Class.

Haskins’ death was reported by his agent, Jay Schachter, on Monday, September 28, 2026. The actor was later revealed (via TMZ) to have been quietly battling Parkinson’s disease. Besides playing Principal Belding, he also starred in The West Wing, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mad Men, How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, and more.

Saved by the Bell ran for four seasons and was followed by three films. It was followed by two spin-offs: Saved by the Bell: The College Years and Saved by the Bell: The New Class. A revival of the show launched in 2020.

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