Saved by the Bell star Dustin Diamond dies at 44

Known to generations of fans as the lovably awkward Screech, Saved by the Bell star Dustin Diamond has passed away at the age of 44. Diamond recently announced that he was battling Stage 4 cancer and was undergoing treatment.

His publicist released a statement to confirm his passing. “We are saddened to confirm Dustin Diamond’s passing on Monday, February 1st, 2021 due to carcinoma. He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago.”

As soon as news of Diamond’s illness was released, fans and fellow Saved by the Bell cast members sent their support to Diamond and his family. Though his diagnosis was terminal, there was hope that treatment would hold off the disease as long as possible.

His reps expressed relief that Diamond did not have to languish in his illness, which was incredibly aggressive. “It managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it showed 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 Was So More Than Screech From Saved by the Bell

Diamond’s role on the popular Saturday morning series, which morphed into an afternoon TV staple in syndication, always haunted him. He struggled to shed the image of his TV alter ego, and that led to some challenges later in life as he battled addiction and legal issues.

He appeared in the numerous Saved by the Bell spin-offs, reprising his role as an older but still quirky Screech, though he was noticeably absent from the revent Peacock reboot.

Diamond was a frequent guest on various reality shows, including Celebrity Fit Club and Celebrity Boxing 2, and he also appeared on CBS’ reality hit Celebrity Big Brother.

Despite his struggles later in life, Diamond was always true to himself, which is a trait he shared with his alter ego Screech. He was a bright spot in so many lives and he will be missed.