Dustin Diamond from Saved by the Bell died Monday morning at the age of 44 after a recent fight with cancer, according to his manager, Roger Paul. The star recently revealed the diagnosis last month.
If you grew up in the 80s/90s, chances are you were a fan of the massively hit show, and a large component of the shows success was the lovable dorky character Screech, played by Diamond.
Recently the show was rebooted on Peacock, though Diamond was not included.
Friends and fans alike took to Twitter to share their condolences and love for the actor.
Fellow Saved by the Bell cast mates Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen shared their sadness over the news.
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 (@MPG) February 1, 2021
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… pic.twitter.com/BnxY9XgN5g
— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) February 1, 2021
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Josh Gad shared his condolences and expressed how Diamond affected his childhood.
So sad to hear that a huge piece of my childhood died today. Dustin & his iconic 90’s performance will forever be linked to my generation & is a defining part of our collective pop cultural touchstones. For the joy he brought us all, I hope he is now at peace. #RIPDustinDiamond https://t.co/Ka04h5xb9l
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) February 1, 2021
Eric West noted how the actor will always live on through his work.
Everyone my age grew up watching Dustin Diamond in ‘Saved by the Bell’. Screech was hilarious! I’m sorry to hear about his passing today. Dustin will always be a TV icon because ‘Saved by the Bell’ will live on and on. Rest well. pic.twitter.com/CXUxgQaOUZ
— Eric West (@EricXWest) February 1, 2021
Papa Roach shared his condolences.
R.I.P. to Screech. An icon from our childhood. pic.twitter.com/0u5EkY7JbM
— Papa Roach (@paparoach) February 1, 2021
Josiah Johnson credited Diamond for how iconic of a character he created.
Saved By The Bell was a big part of a lot of our lives. From JFK to Bayside. Dustin Diamond made Screech an icon. RIP Legend pic.twitter.com/EMsClyJtd8
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) February 1, 2021
Ryan Parker payed tribute noting how most of us are Screech.
Everyone wanted to be Zach.
But most of us were Screech.
RIP Dustin Diamond
— Ryan Parker (@TheRyanParker) February 1, 2021
Wajahat Ali expressed his sadness, also recognizing the actors struggle after Saved by the Bell.
Screech was such an iconic, beloved character for so many of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s. Genuinely saddened by this loss. Also, the industry is so ruthless. Dustin Diamond really had a rough time after Saved by the Bell. Tragic to hear of his death at 44. F Cancer.
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) February 1, 2021
Though he is gone, he will forever be remembered throughout his work and legacy.
AfterBuzz TV would like to send its sincerest condolences and love to his friends and family during this time.
