‘Saved by the Bell’ Star Dustin Diamond Passes Away at 44

Saved by the Bell’s Dustin Diamond has passed away after a short battle with lung cancer. Representatives of the actor had issued a statement in early January, revealing that Diamond had been diagnosed with stage 4 carcinoma and was undergoing chemotherapy in a Florida hospital. The news of his death comes just weeks after the press release.

Diamond was best known for his portrayal of Samuel “Screech” Powers in NBC’s teen sitcom Saved by the Bell. Although his relationship with the show and its cast turned sour later, his nerdy sidekick/best friend had become a cultural icon for many teenagers.

He returned to the franchise in the sequel shows Saved by the Bell: The College Years, Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas, and Saved by the Bell: The New Class. Although he did not reprise his role in the first season of the 2020 reboot, it was reported that he might make an appearance in the second season.

A statement was released from Diamond’s rep:

“We are saddened to confirm Dustin Diamond’s passing on Monday, February 1, 2021, due to carcinoma. He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution. Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful.”

Dustin Diamond’s Representative

Several of his Saved by the Bell co-stars have posted tributes to the actor after his death. Tori Spelling, who had a recurring role as Violet in the show, posted a touching note calling him her “first on-screen love.” Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who played Zack Morris in the original show, also wrote about his co-star on Twitter.