Celebrity

'Saved By The Bell' Star Dustin Diamond Dead At 44 After Battle With Stage 4 Cancer

'Saved By The Bell' Star Dustin Diamond Dead At 44 After Battle With Stage 4 Cancer
Advertisement

Dustin Diamond, best known for his role as Samuel "Screech" Powers on Saved By The Bell, has died after a brief but spirited battle with stage 4 cancer. He was only 44.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, followers were told that "All positivity and prayers are appreciated."

Diamond is best known for his role in the coming-of-age sitcom, Saved By The Bell.

It has only been a few weeks since he learned he was sick. Last month, after many tests, he was informed that he was suffering from stage 4 small cell carcinoma.

Later, his agent informed the media that he had succumbed to carcinoma, an unforgiving, unyielding, and malignant form of cancer.

What made things worse was the fact that the cancer was discovered far too late. According to his agent, Roger Paul, by the time they found out he had cancer, it had "managed to spread rapidly throughout his system."

In all likelihood, Diamond didn't stand a chance against this terrible form of cancer at such an advanced stage, even if he had more time. In fact, his agent said that the only mercy this disease had on the star was "its sharp and swift execution."

Roger claimed that Diamond did not suffer because he did not have to lie in bed dealing with pain for weeks on end. "For that, we are grateful," added Roger.

The last time Roger spoke to the actor was on Thursday, just four days before he died from the vicious sickness:

"That was the last time he was coherent. He was in a lot of pain. [His health] went downhill from there."

Fellow "Saved By The Bell" Co-Stars Remember The Star

'Saved By The Bell' Star Dustin Diamond Dead At 44 After Battle With Stage 4 Cancer

On hearing about Diamond's sudden and unexpected death, fellow Saved By The Bell co-stars shared his story on Twitter.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar wrote that he was "deeply saddened" when he heard of Diamond's passing and referred to him as a "true comedic genius."

He went on to offer his sincerest condolences to the star's family and friends while also reminiscing on the unforgettable time they worked together:

"I will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce. A pie in your face, my comrade."

Mario Lopez also tweeted: "Dustin, you will be missed, my man." He also pondered how fragile life can be, advising that life should never be taken for granted.

Tiffany Thiessen also shared a touching message on Twitter in memory of the star:

"I am deeply saddened by the news of my old co-star @realdustindiamond passing. Life is extremely fragile and it's something we should never take for granted. God speed Dustin."

Initially, Diamond's team had informed reporters that he was "undergoing testing." His location was kept a secret to keep him from getting bothered by paparazzi.

Diamond Initially Admitted To Hospital With Pains And Aches

At first, the actor was taken to hospital after he admitted to feeling aches and pains all over his body.

He was still upbeat at the time, according to a member of his team. However, even though he was scared, he was also hopeful of overcoming his sickness.

'Saved By The Bell' Star Dustin Diamond Dead At 44 After Battle With Stage 4 Cancer

For 13 years, Diamond played the role of Screech. He also took on other great roles in television shows such as The Weakest Link and Celebrity Fit Club.

Diamond appeared in films like Made and American Pie Presents The Book of Love. He also took part in "Celebrity Big Brother" during the reality show's twelfth season.

However, he did not get a place in the Saved reboot on Peacock, NBC's streaming platform.

Diamond was also known for his generosity while helping those trying to make it in acting in Los Angeles and New York City.

The show, Saved By The Bell aired between 1989 and 1993. It was a great hit, and it inspired spinoffs like Saved By The Bell: The College Years and Saved By The Bell: The New Class.

Diamond played a role in both of these spinoffs.

The sequel launched on Peacock included many of the show's original cast, although Diamond was not part of the team.

'Saved By The Bell' Star Dustin Diamond Dead At 44 After Battle With Stage 4 Cancer

The Lawsuits

Although many people know Diamond for his role in the popular comedy show, he was also very controversial in many personal matters.

For instance, he was sued for delinquent taxes and missing mortgage payments. He also appeared in a sex tape.

Also, in 2015, he faced a 4-month jail sentence for his role in a Wisconsin barroom stabbing.

On the day he died, his agent, Roger, admitted that Diamond was "not considered reputable by most" given his history of "mishaps" and "unfortunate events."

Roger explained that Diamond was not purposely malevolent, but was just acting out and behaving poorly as most people do after undergoing intense personal turmoil and heartache.

'Saved By The Bell' Star Dustin Diamond Dead At 44 After Battle With Stage 4 Cancer

Roger went on to explain that Diamond was a "humorous and high-spirited individual whose greatest passion was to make others laugh." Apparently, he had a unique ability to sense other people's emotions:

"Dustin Diamond was a character in and of himself: an unpredictable spitfire who always left us shocked, but never left us bored."

Diamond's team requested privacy as his family was dealing with the tragic death of their loved one.

Without a doubt, the star's death was quite sudden and unexpected. His girlfriend was by his side as he passed away.

All the lovers of Saved By The Bell will sorely remember Diamond and his role in this timeless comedy.