Dustin Diamond, best known as the beloved character Screech on 90s hit show Saved By the Bell, has passed away. He was 44.
According to TMZ, a rep tells them the actor died Monday. He was recently diagnosed with stage 4 small cell carcinoma, which is commonly referred to as lung cancer. Apparently, the cancer began somewhere in his body then spread to his lungs.
He started chemo a couple of weeks ago but last week his health begin to decline. Hospital staff took him off breathing machines in an attempt to transport him to a hospice center, but unfortunately he died. Reps say that his girlfriend was by his side and he did not suffer.
Dustin’s famous character Screech will always be remembered as the kid who was Zack Morris’ (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) sidekick and the nerd who had a huge crush on Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies). His co-stars of the show paid special tributes on social media.
Elizabeth Berkley also left a statement on Instagram.
“I’m grateful to have gotten to create with Dustin when we were at the beginning of our dreams coming true. I will hold onto those sweet memories and the laughs we shared. Rest In Peace 🙏🏼🤍✨”
Lark hasn’t posted a message after his passing yet but she did share an encouraging message while Dustin was battling cancer.
“I’d like to take the time to send special love and special best wishes to Dustin Diamond, who is one of my dearest friends. Dustin, all the many in your close circle who know you to be the great person that you are, are truly pulling for you and praying for the best outcome.
-Lark Voorhies ❤️”
Lark Voorhies Returning As Lisa Turtle In “Saved By The Bell” Reboot
After his years with Saved By the Bell, Dustin went on to participate in a couple of spinoffs from the show, but unfortunately he wasn’t cast for the Peacock reboot.
He made special appearances on a few shows, and he did some standup comedy.
Dustin’s rep adds that he went through a great deal of turmoil in his life, but he was always “a humorous and high-spirited individual whose greatest passion was to make others laugh.”
Rest in peace, Dustin.
