Saved by the Bell fans are paying tribute to Samuel “Screech” Powers, the beloved character played by the late Dustin Diamond.
Diamond’s death at the age of 44 was announced yesterday (1 February). The actor was diagnosed with lung cancer last month.
“Dustin did not suffer,” said Diamond’s agent in a statement. “He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful.”
NBC’s high school-set sitcom Saved by the Bell ran from 1989 to 1993 and saw Diamond star as Screech, the nerdy friend of Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar).
Diamond also returned to the role in subsequent spin-off series Saved by the Bell: The New Class and Saved by the Bell: The College Years.
Fans expressed their fondness for the character of Screech on social media, and sadness at the actor’s passing.
“Dustin Diamond’s character of Screech on Saved By The Bell, was truly one for the ages,” wrote one Twitter user. “How much of a big deal was that show and character back in the day? My dog was named #Screech... true story.”
Presenter Jessica Davies wrote: “Such lush memories of sitting on the sofa bingeing hours and hours of Saved By The Bell Ominbus. Screech was one of the first tv characters I’d genuinely lol’d at. Sad news #RIPScreech.”
“Growing up there wasn't too many households this lad wasn't the focus of the entertainment on telly,” wrote someone else. “One of the best characters of 90s TV.”
“Dustin Diamond as Screech forever changed the way I’ll sing the lyrics to ‘Home on the Range’,” wrote one fan, referencing one of the character’s most popular moments during an episode of the show’s fourth season.
You can read tributes to Diamond from his former co-stars here.
