The actor who played loveable nerd Samuel “Screech” Powers on Saved By the Bell has died at age 44.
Dustin Diamond revealed he had cancer just last month after he was admitted to a Florida hospital with severe pain.
Diamond’s spokesperson told NBC News in a statement today: “We are saddened to confirm of 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. 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. ”
Diamond was beloved by ’90s kids for his role as Zack Morris’s best friend at Bayside High, and his antics brought many of the laughs on the long-running show. Saved By the Bell has been in the news again recently, as NBC announced a reboot of the show will stream on Peacock in the fall.
Fans and friends on social media expressed their shock and grief over Diamond’s sudden passing.
Co-star Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater, shared a photo and his condolences on Instagram Monday afternoon.
Twitter fans shared memories and photos of the actor’s too-short life, too.
Everyone has had a friend like Screech…Rest In Peace, and thank you for the laughs. pic.twitter.com/eN6GHOSGen
— Blame The Label (@blamethelabel) February 1, 2021
Everyone my age grew up watching Dustin Diamond in 'Saved by the Bell’. Screech was hilarious! I’m sorry to hear about his passing today. Dustin will always be a TV icon because ‘Saved by the Bell’ will live on and on. Rest well. pic.twitter.com/CXUxgQaOUZ
— Eric West (@EricXWest) February 1, 2021
RIP Screech, one of my favourite characters in a tv show growing up in Saved by the bell.
❤️ Age 44 is no age to die 😔 pic.twitter.com/zyaoSNdNth
— Ty Bracey (@TyBracey) February 1, 2021
Thanks for the laughs, Screech, may you rest in peace.