Dustin Diamond, 'Saved by the Bell' star, dead at 44

[Polybius]

Source: CNN

(CNN)Dustin Diamond, who played the role of Screech on the popular 1990s high school comedy "Saved by the Bell," died Monday after a recent cancer diagnosis, according to Diamond's manager, Roger Paul.

He was 44.

Diamond first shared news of his cancer diagnosis last month.

At the time, his manager said his client's health was "serious" and that Diamond was undergoing further testing at a Florida hospital. He underwent his first round of chemotherapy days later.

An actor and stand-up comedian, Diamond found fame playing Samuel "Screech" Powers for more than a decade on the "Saved by the Bell" franchise.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/01/entertainment/dustin-diamond-obit/index.html

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[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. I just heard that on the radio. I came here to start a thread.

Hat tip, WTOP

Three weeks. He got the diagnosis three weeks ago.

The show is on for two hours every Sunday morning. Try as I might, I find it hard to sit through an entire episode. It really is unwatchable. Nonetheless, I caught a few minutes of Screech yesterday morning.

Dustin Diamond, ‘Screech’ on ‘Saved by the Bell,’ Dead at 44

“He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago,” actor’s agent says

By ANDY GREENE

Dustin Diamond, the actor who portrayed lovable nerd Samuel “Screech” Powers across four incarnations of Saved by the Bell from 1988 to 2000, died Monday after a three-week battle with carcinoma. He was 44. Diamond’s agent, Roger Paul, confirmed the actor’s death to Rolling Stone.

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

At age 11, Diamond landed the role of Screech on the pilot of Good Morning, Miss Bliss in 1988. In a unique twist, the character was both a hopeless dork and the best friend of the coolest kid in school, Zack Morris. Good Morning, Miss Bliss lasted just one season before it was re-tooled as Saved by the Bell in 1989. Half the cast was let go, but Screech survived the transition and soon became a favorite of the young Saturday morning audience that quickly turned the show into a generational touchstone.

{snip}

[dewsgirl]

2. R.I.P. Dustin Diamond. I used to watch Saved By the Bell every Saturday

morning. We were the same age.
There's been so much news, I don't even know he was sick until maybe two weeks ago.

[hamsterjill]

3. Gut punch.

May he Rest In Peace.

[denbot]

4. Never watched the show but remember Dustin kicking ass on boxing challenge.

He came out swinging, and was relentless.

[cbdo2007]

5. He was the perfect nerdy sidekick for a super-nerdy me growing up. RIP Screech.

I still quote some of his more memorable Saved By The Bell lines in my regular conversation. People think I'm an idiot but it gives me a chuckle.