The cast of Saved by the Bell has come a long way since the show ended in 1993. When the beloved ’90s sitcom first aired, fans were introduced to an all-too-relatable group of friends attending California’s Bayside High School.
Whether a member of the squad was preparing for final exams, deciding who to ask to a school dance, struggling with a breakup or some other tense situation, viewers got to see it all unfold as the characters Screech, Slater, Lisa, Jessie, Zack, and Kelly dealt with high school life.
Sadly, the show lost a valuable star with the death of Dustin Diamond on Monday, February 1, 2021. The actor, who portrayed Samuel “Screech” Powers on the popular series, passed away at the age of 44 following a battle with stage 4 cancer.
“We are saddened to confirm Dustin Diamond’s passing due to carcinoma,” the stand-up comedian’s rep Roger Paul told Life & Style in a statement. “[Dustin] 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.”
The actor revealed he was diagnosed with cancer in early January in the wake of his Florida hospitalization, but continued to keep a positive disposition. “Dustin was a humorous and high-spirited individual whose greatest passion was to make others laugh,” added his rep. “He was able to sense and feel other peoples’ emotions to such a length that he was able to feel them too — a strength and a flaw, all in one.”
It’s only been a few months since all 10 episodes of the new Saved by the Bell revival were released on NBC’s free streaming service, Peacock. Not only did it include some of the original cast, but also some fresh faces. The only stars who didn’t return were Dennis Haskins, who played Principal Mr. Belding, and Dustin.
Click through the gallery to see where the Saved by the Bell cast is now.