So long, Screech.
Dustin Diamond, who rose to fame for playing Screech in the NBC sitcom Saved By The Bell, passed away on Monday (February 1) at the age of 44 after a brief battle with cancer – he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer three weeks ago.
His team confirmed the sad news in a statement:
“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. 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.”
The statement also acknowledged Dustin’s controversial past.
“We are aware that Dustin is not considered reputable by most,” the statement reads in part. “He’s had a history of mishaps, of unfortunate events. We want the public to understand that he was not intentionally malevolent. He — much like the rest of those who act out and behave poorly — had undergone a great deal of turmoil and heartache. His actions, though rebukeable, stemmed from loss and the lack of knowledge on how to process that pain properly. In actuality, Dustin was a humorous and high-spirited individual whose greatest passion was to make others laugh. He was able to sense and feel other people’s emotions to such a length that he was able to feel them too — a strength and a flaw, all in one.”
“Dustin Diamond was a character in and of himself: an unpredictable spitfire who always left us shocked, but never left us bored,” the statement continues. “We are thankful he trusted us enough to share his genuine, authentic self with our team. We wish you knew him in the way that we did. We please ask that you give room for privacy to our team and Mr. Diamond’s family during this tragic time, as we grieve and remember the memories spent together. This loss is as much stinging as it is sudden.”
Following the news of his passing, fans, his Saved By The Bell co-stars and other celebrities went on social media to pay tribute.
“Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on,” Mario Lopez tweeted.
“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dustin Diamond, a true comedic genius. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Looking back at our time working together, I will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce. A pie in your face, my comrade,” Mark-Paul Gosselaar wrote.
“I am deeply saddened by I 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,” Tiffani Thiessen expressed.
“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,” Elizabeth Berkley shared.
“My 1st onscreen love Dustin Diamond got his Angel wings today… –Before there was David and Donna there was Screech and Violet. Dustin was my first onscreen kiss. He welcomed me with open arms onto the set of Saved By the Bell. As one can imagine being the newbie on a hit show was overwhelming for a 14 year old girl. He not only showed me around but made sure I was always ok. Such a young gentleman. He was kind, smart, and always making everyone laugh. He was a great scene partner. He was a really good guy. I’m sad after the show we never had much contact aside from occasionally running into each other at events. I’m glad he’s out of pain. He’s an icon to me professionally and personally. RIP Samuel love, your Violet,” Tori Spelling wrote.
“So sad to hear about the passing of Dustin Diamond, he was a total pro on Celebrity Championship Wrestling and always have his heart to perform his best, loved it when he came to Clearwater to see me and Knobbs. God Speed my friend R.I.P.” Hulk Hogan shared.
“Damn… rest well Dustin. Thanks for Screech. You made many kids that’s now adults laugh. Will never forget the celebrity boxing… you lived man. Quite entertaining. Gone too soon” Marlon Wayans tweeted.
“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and fans of actor #DustinDiamond who passed away today at the age of 44 after a short battle with cancer.” Wendy Williams shared.
“I’m saddened to hear the news of the passing of Dustin Diamond. I’m grateful for the time we shared together on my show and for him openly sharing his story. He will be missed,” wrote Dr. Oz
“Dustin Diamond you really were a diamond who gave the world one of the most lovable tv characters .. thank you for making my childhood a little more funnier.. rest now. Condolences to his family,” Loni Love expressed.
“Oh lord. #rip Dustin. I’m shocked. I remember all of the times we were there for each other on set of #cbb… You were talking me out of feeling sorry for myself. You were a sensitive yet strong soul. I’m so sorry,” Courtney Stodden shared.
Rest in peace, Dustin.
