Saved by the Bell star Dustin Diamond, who played Screech in the popular teen series, has died after a battle with stage 4 lung cancer. He was 44.
Diamond’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,” Paul 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.
The news of his death comes days after he completed his first round of chemotherapy after further tests revealed that the actor was battling stage 4 small cell carcinoma, a form of lung cancer that started elsewhere in his body and then spread in his lungs.
Following his stint as Screech, the American actor also appeared in a variety of shows and films including “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star” and “Four Corners Road.”
Diamond appeared on “Celebrity Big Brother” in 2013 and performed in the now-disbanded music group, Salty The Pocketknife.
He was married to Jennifer Misner from 2009 until their separation in 2013.
