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Dustin Diamond, who was best known for playing Samuel “Screech” Powers on the TV sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” died Monday after a battle with cancer.
“We are saddened to confirm of Dustin Diamond’s passing on Monday, February 1st, 2021 due to carcinoma,” his 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.”
In January, Diamond’s Facebook page revealed he was hospitalized to undergo “medical testing.” Diamond’s representative Roger Paul later confirmed his cancer diagnosis to USA TODAY.
Diamond played the relatable, irritating geek Screech from the late 1980s until 2000. Diamond later toured as a stand-up comedian and appeared on reality TV shows and in a few small movie roles.
However, life after Screech Powers hasn’t been easy for Diamond.
He put his name on the controversial 2009 memoir, “Behind the Bell,” which painted an unflattering picture of his fellow actors and their allegedly sordid adventures behind the scenes of the show
Story developing via USA TODAY.