Tributes have been paid to Saved by the Bell icon Dennis Haskins after he passed away at the age of 75.

The American actor was best known for playing Principal Richard Belding in the hit 1990s teenage sitcom.

On Monday, Dennis’ long-time agent Jay Schacter confirmed the news of his death to Variety.

Further details and a cause of death have not been released.

Dennis delighted sitcom fans for years as Mr Belding, the Bayside High headmaster who consistently dealt with the antics of Zack Morris, played by Mark-Paul Gosselaar.

Dennis’ agent referenced this as he released a statement to pay tribute to the actor.

Jay said: ‘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. 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.’

Dennis was known locally in Burbank, California, as a frequent face at his favourite karaoke bar, who also paid him a tribute.

The bar’s owners wrote on Instagram: ‘Dennis was a staple at Dimples. A lot of people thought he owned it, but he didn’t. He just loved the place and its people.

‘He enjoyed singing for people, meeting them, and taking selfies with his fans. Dimples closed down about 11 years ago, and people still associate him with his beloved “second home”. He was known to most as Mr Belding from Saved by the Bell, but to us, he was much more than that

‘Late last night, that journey ended for him. He is now at peace and is probably entertaining the people in the sky. Just know that if you tried to reach out to him in the last few years, I did read your messages to him, and you were heard.’

Around eight years ago, Dennis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. However, he still made the odd television appearance, including on WWE TV, as he was a big wrestling fan.