February 2021 is off to a sad start.
Dustin Diamond passed away from stage IV lung cancer this past Monday, Feb. 1. The actor, best known for playing Samuel “Screech” Powers on Saved by the Bell , was 44.
Since the sad news broke, there has been an outpour of messages from those who knew Dustin best, including celebrities. Come see their tributes.
First off, a little background on the cancer battle Dustin was fighting.
“He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago,” Dustin’s publicist shared in the statement of his passing.
“In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution.”
Fans will be relieved to know that Dustin did not suffer. “He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful.”
Dustin’s team shared a sweet message about the star who they worked with for so long.
“He has become a larger part of our everyday life: A part of our family and friend circle,” the rep told Us Weekly .
Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s tribute came in shortly after that.
He worked alongside Diamond for many years as Zach Morris on Saved by the Bell .
“Looking back at our time working together, I will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce,” the actor shared in a statement. “A pie in your face, my comrade.”
Gosselaar was one of many *Saved by the Bell* cast members to pour in tributes.
Lark Voorhies, who served as Dustin’s love interest on the show, shared her thoughts with EW .
“Words cannot express the grief that I am feeling right now,” she wrote.
She went on to say that she and Dustin had a “warm and special friendship.”
“He was a caring gentleman, and my memories of him will always be cherished.”
Their other co-stars, Mario Lopez, Tiffani Thiessen, and Elizabeth Berkley Lauren shared their respects on Instagram.
Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, shared a picture of the late star.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of my old co-star @realdustindiamond passing. Life is extremely fragile and it’s something we should never take for granted. God speed Dustin,” she wrote .
Her tribute received many supportive messages in the comments.
Berkley shared several pictures of Dustin as a young teen.
“I’m grateful to have gotten to create with Dustin when we were at the beginning of our dreams coming true,” Berkley Lauren wrote.
“I will hold onto those sweet memories and the laughs we shared. Rest In Peace.”
Fans were especially touched by the tribute post from Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater on the NBC show.
“Dustin, you will be missed my man,” he began . “The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on…”
While the pair worked together on Saved by the Bell , they had remained close friends throughout the years.
As the person who had Dustin as their first on-screen love, Tori Spelling took the news espeically hard.
“Before there was David and Donna there was Screech and Violet. Dustin was my first on-screen kiss. He welcomed me with open arms onto the set of Saved By the Bell,” she wrote on Instagram .
She went on to echo statements that were made about Dustin, including how he was a gentlemen and always making people laugh.
She also expressed her regrets for not staying in touch over the years.
“I’m sad after the show we never had much contact aside from occasionally running into each other at events.”
The actor’s passing was mourned by other celebrities, including Marlon Wayans, Wendy Williams, and Dr. Oz.
Even Hulk Hogan paid tribute.
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“So sad to hear about the passing of Dustin Diamond, he was a total pro on Celebrity Championship Wrestling and always have his heart to perform his best, loved it when he came to Clearwater to see me and Knobbs. God Speed my friend R.I.P.”
R.I.P. Dustin.
