‘Saved By the Bell’ Star Dustin Diamond Dies at 44

Dustin Diamond, who was best known for playing nerdy Samuel “Screech” Powers on the popular ‘90s NBC comedy, “Saved by the Bell,” died Monday morning. He was just 44 years old.

Roger Paul, a spokesperson for the actor, told NBC News: “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. ”

A spokesperson for Diamond had announced he had stage 4 cancer in January 2021 after he was hospitalized in Florida.

According to Paul, Diamond’s condition “had greatly declined since last week, and he was taken off of breathing machines in an attempt to get him to hospice care.”

“There were two people very close to him by his side when he passed away,” Paul added.

RIP to the guy who made us laugh on Saturday mornings.