'Saved by the Bell' Star Dustin Diamond Dead At 44

PORT WASHINGTON,WI— "Saved By The Bell" star Dustin Diamond, 44, a former resident of Wisconsin, has died three weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. USA TODAY and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the news on Monday.

"We are saddened to confirm of Dustin Diamond’s passing on Monday, February 1st, 2021 due to carcinoma," Diamond's publicist Roger Paul confirmed to USA TODAY.

"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," Paul said in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report.

The actor was best known for playing Samuel "Screech" Powers on the TV sitcom "Saved by the Bell" from the late 1980s until 2000. According to a bio provided on his agent's website, Diamond continued the role in the college series "Saved By The Bell: The College Years." Other than appearing on this show, he also appeared in number of games and some reality shows.

A sequel was launched on Peacock last fall featuring many from the original cast, including Lopez, Elizabeth Berkley, Tiffani Thiessen and Mark-Paul Gosselaar. Diamond was not included.

Former co-stars from "Saved the Bell" took to social media to express their condolences.

Mario Lopez said “Dustin, you will be missed, my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted.”

Mark-Paul Gosselaar said, "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."

Tiffani Thiessen said, "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."

Diamond's public Facebook page confirmed in January he had cancer.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Diamond was born Jan. 7, 1977, in San Jose, California. He attended Zion Lutheran School in Anaheim.

In 2020, a home owned by Diamond was for sale in Port Washington. Diamond was convicted of stabbing a man in 2015 during a bar room brawl in Port Washington. He was sentenced to 120 days in jail and 15 months of probation.

Reporting and writing from the Associated Press was used for this report.