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'Saved by the Bell' Executive Producer Peter Engel Honors Dustin Diamond after His Death

Jené Liebenberg
By Jené Liebenberg
Feb 02, 2021
10:30 P.M.

The comedic actor Dustin Diamond passed away on February 1, 2020, and "Saved By, the Bell" executive producer Peter Engel, took a trip down memory lane in honor of Diamond.

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After 44-year-old Dustin Diamond died on February 1, 2020, after battling stage 5 cancer, the "Saved by the Bell" executive producer Peter Engel spoke out to honor the actor.

Engel knew the late Diamond since he was 11-years-old and only had good things to say about him. Diamond had the ability to make Engel laugh in times when he really shouldn't have been laughing, a tribute to his comedic talents.

Dustin Diamond at Universal Studios Hollywood visiting "Extra" on May 16, 2016 | Getty Images

Dustin Diamond at Universal Studios Hollywood visiting "Extra" on May 16, 2016 | Getty Images

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

Engel opened up about the young actor's talents saying that he had him rolling on the floor in the middle of shooting scenes in Hawaii, which resulted in them having to reshoot a few scenes entirely.

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Diamond was also capable of sharing insight into how things should be done on a set that had Engel agreeing to changes that he otherwise would have blatantly shot down. He elaborated saying:

"Nine out of 10 times, we’d go with his way. Those who know me know that’s not my style.”

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SAMUEL "SCREECH" POWERS

Diamond is best known for playing the role of Samuel "Screech" Powers in the 90's sitcom "Saved by the Bell." His small cell carcinoma battle was not long, as he died only three weeks after being diagnosed.

Diamond was previously married to "Big Brother U.K" star Jennifer Misner, but it only lasted from 2009 to 2013.

Roger Paul, the actor's representative, released a statement informing the public of Diamond's health struggles and revealed that his death was very sudden. Still, he did not suffer due to the fast course that cancer took through his body.

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TRIBUTE AFTER TRIBUTE

Diamond's impact stretched very far, as seen by the many tributes posted after his death. His "Saved by the Bell" co-star and his character's girlfriend Tori Spelling shared a heartfelt message about Diamond on Instagram.

Diamond was Spellings's first on-screen kiss, and the actress reflected on their time together on the show with warmth. The reality television star regrets not keeping in touch with Diamond post-show.

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A COMEDY GENIUS

Spelling and Engel were not the only celebrities to turn to social media to commemorate Diamond's life and career. His co-star Mario Lopez quickly posted photos to Instagram and shared his tribute with his 1.8 million followers. Lopez's caption read:

"Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted."

Other "Saved by the Bell" cast members joined Spelling and Lopez in honoring Screech. Amongst those who shared their condolences were Tiffani Thiessen, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Lark Voorhies, and Elizabeth Berkley.

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Diamond was previously married to "Big Brother U.K" star Jennifer Misner, but it only lasted from 2009 to 2013. The comedy actor did not have any children but is mourned by his family.

The actor has showcased the power that comedy truly impacts people's lives through humor and laughter. His tragic death at such a young age has brought about a newly found appreciation for life and comedy.

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