Dustin Diamond has died at the age of 44.
According to TMZ, the Saved by the Bell star (who played Screech) passed away on Monday morning (February 1) with his father by his side.
Dustin's agent, Roger Paul, confirmed the actor’s death to Rolling Stone. “He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago,” Roger said in a statement. “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.”
Dustin's condition reportedly declined in the last week and he was taken off of breathing machines in an attempt to get him to hospice care.
Just weeks ago, Dustin completed his first round of chemotherapy after he was diagnosed with stage four small cell carcinoma, commonly referred to as lung cancer.
His cancer diagnosis came days after he was taken to a Florida hospitalafter experiencing "pain all over his body and a general sense of unease." Sources told TMZ at the time, doctors were running tests to determine what was causing the pain, however, "cancer seemed to be the likely prognosis." It was later announced that Dustin was diagnosed with lung cancer.
The late actor is best known for his role as Screech on Saved by the Bell. However, he wasn’t invited to take part in theSaved by the Bell reboot.
Over the years, Dustin appeared in a number of reality shows including Celebrity Fit Club and Celebrity Boxing 2. He also released a tell-all book titledBehind the Bellin 2009.
Photo: Getty Images
By Peyton Blakemore