What Happened to the Beloved Stars of ‘Saved by the Bell'

"Saved by the Bell" was more than just a TV show. It was a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation. From the awkward yet endearing Screech to the fashion icon Lisa Turtle, the characters quickly won viewers' hearts. But what happened to them after the cameras stopped rolling?

In the late 80s and early 90s, a group of fresh-faced teenagers captured the hearts of millions of viewers with their adventures in the halls of Bayside High. The television show defined a generation and created a legion of die-hard fans.

Let's dive into the lives of the Bayside High alums and uncover what they have been up to since the show's finale. From their personal lives to their professional careers, we'll find the highs and lows of life. Buckle up for a nostalgic ride down memory lane.

1. Dustin Diamond

A series of complex events marked Dustin Diamond's post-"Saved by the Bell" life. While he was known for portraying the hilarious Samuel "Screech" Powers on the hit show, Diamond struggled with personal and legal troubles.

This included his involvement in a street brawl, a stint in jail, and his controversial tell-all book. Despite his missteps, it's worth noting that he made efforts to make amends with his former co-stars.

His appearance on The Dr. Oz Show, where he publicly apologized to his co-stars, demonstrated a willingness to take responsibility for his actions and seek redemption for all his wrongdoings.

The actor's passing due to cancer at the young age of 44 was an unspeakable tragedy. Fans and fellow castmates of "Saved by the Bell" were heartbroken.

However, through his unforgettable performance in the show, the star left an enduring legacy in popular culture. One of the heartwarming tributes for the actor came from co-star Lark Voorhies, who wrote:

"Words cannot express the grief that I am feeling right now. Dustin and I had a warm and special friendship, he was a caring gentleman, and my memories of him will always be cherished. I am so very sorry he is gone. But it’s exceptionally sad for his close loved ones who have do deal with his tragic death and their own great loss. My heart goes out to them at this trying time."

2. Mario Lopez

Mario Lopez's rise to fame began with his breakout role as the muscular A.C. Slater on the beloved '90s sitcom. But before his success, he faced a "deadly" health issue that almost cost him his life.

There wasn't much hope for his survival, but the youngster pulled through miraculously. And his full recovery set him up for the rest of his life because he prioritized his health, which he viewed as invaluable. He stated:

"For me, training and staying in shape is always a top priority. You should always make your health number one."

Aside from his toned physique, another factor that made Lopez stand out was his distinctive hairstyle, which he later admitted was an accidental mullet. From hairstyles gone wrong to the red carpet, his star has continued to rise and shine in the entertainment industry.

Lopez became a fixture on TV screens, and the married father of three's enduring charm earned him a role as a host on the popular celebrity news show "Access Hollywood."

While the recent "Saved by the Bell" revival series may have been short-lived, Lopez's popularity guarantees he'll continue to be a sought-after talent for years.

3. Elizabeth Berkley

Elizabeth Berkley is an actress who pushed the boundaries of her craft. After gaining fame as the straight-A student Jesse Spano in "Saved By the Bell," she shocked audiences with her spirited performance as an exotic dancer in the controversial film "Showgirls."

But instead of shying away from the backlash, she used it as a springboard to pursue new roles. With guest appearances on shows like "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," and "The L Word," Berkley proved that she was more than just a one-hit-wonder.

When she hit the dance floor on "Dancing with the Stars," the actress wowed audiences with her fearless performances, including a routine inspired by her iconic "I'm so excited, I'm so scared!" scene from "Saved By the Bell."

It was evident that Berkley remembered her time on the hit series with fondness and happily signed on for the reboot. She also shared a surprising behind-the-scenes fact about her character, revealing she went through a can of hairspray per show!

The star later launched "Ask-Elizabeth," a website and book offering young women advice and guidance. With all these impressive accomplishments under her belt, it's no surprise she's a true icon of the entertainment industry.

4. Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Tiffani Thiessen

The bond between Tiffani Thiessen and Mark-Paul Gosselaar went beyond just their on-screen romance in "Saved by the Bell." Like Kelly Kapowski and Zack Morris, their undeniable chemistry captured viewers' hearts everywhere, but their off-screen friendship truly made them special.

Their Parisian adventures and memories of eating crepes together will remain etched in Thiessen's mind. She compared their connection to a fairytale romance or a perfect, idealized partnership. She recalled:

"Mark-Paul and I got to go to Paris [for a press tour]. We ate crepes, and my first sip of alcohol was with him. It felt at times like we were Barbie and Ken."

As they continued on their individual paths, Thiessen and Gosselaar found happiness with their respective families, but they try to go on double dates frequently and whenever their schedules allow. The actress spoke of their bond lovingly:

"We live totally close together. I love his wife. His kids are great, like, we adore [them]. So we have a lot of fun actually hanging out with them."

While fans enjoyed seeing how the lives of these stars evolved, for many who grew up watching "Saved by the Bell," Kelly and Zack will forever remain an iconic couple representing young love at its best.

It was heartwarming to see that after all these years, Kelly and Zack finally got the happy ending they deserved! Although they had a brief break-up towards the end of the iconic show, the recent reboot brought back so many beautiful memories and fulfilled the wishes of so many fans.

Seeing the duo together again, now married with a son, brought back a flood of emotions and nostalgia for many. Even though they may not be a real-life couple, they played their parts convincingly and brought their love story to life in a magical way.

5. Lark Voorhies

Lark Voorhies' rise to fame was filled with both triumph and tribulation. Known for her portrayal of the sassy and stylish Lisa Turtle on the iconic 90s show, Voorhies revealed the emotional weight of her experience as a young actress on the set.

While the role had its perks, the cost was steep. She had to give up pivotal teenage moments, like walking across the stage for graduation and twirling at prom.

Thankfully, Voorhies found solace in the bonds she formed with her co-stars, a tight-knit group that became like a family to her. The actress spoke about her heartwarming co-star friendships on her Instagram page, writing:

"Elizabeth [Berkley] is one of the best friends anyone could ever have. She's genuine and always comes through whenever she can."

Voorhies' career took a different turn for a few years, and she became a tabloid fixture for all the wrong reasons. Following her time on "Saved by the Bell," she experienced a series of personal and professional setbacks.

Despite the challenges, Voorhies remained a talented and accomplished actress and continues to inspire many. Her legacy as Lisa Turtle endured, and she also made an impressive comeback!

Voorhies was thrilled when she had the opportunity to star in the reboot of "Saved by the Bell." It was a significant moment for her, and she shared her joy online, expressing:

"I'm so excited to be back on SBTB! Being a fashionista isn't easy! Guess I'll have to update my wardrobe! Which designer to choose? Any suggestions?"

She was "unbelievably grateful" to star in the series again and congratulated everyone else involved. The actress never gave up on her dreams, and her triumphant return to the iconic role was a testament to her dedication and passion.

Voorhies truly inspires all who have faced adversity and come out on the other side stronger and more determined than ever.

6. Dennis Haskins

Dennis Haskins may have played the part of a school principal on television, but in the hearts of many fans, he will forever be the ultimate friend and mentor. For over a decade, Haskins played the role of Mr. Belding on the beloved 90s show.

He captured viewers' hearts across the globe, but his acting abilities extended far beyond the confines of the classroom, and his resume since leaving Bayside High is a testament to that.

Despite his ongoing success in the entertainment industry, fans were disappointed that Haskins' character wasn't included in the "Saved by the Bell" reboot. However, there are valid reasons why his character may not have been included.

Even though he was not a part of the new series, his portrayal of Mr. Belding will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide.

7. Ed Alonzo

For "Saved by the Bell" fans, Ed Alonzo will forever be known as Max, the lovable and eccentric owner of The Max. The character was essential to the show's nostalgia-inducing hangout spot, serving tasty burgers and entertaining guests with his magic tricks.

Although he made appearances on other popular shows like "Full House" and "Murphy Brown," Alonzo's skills as a professional magician made him stand out.

He worked as a magic consultant for big-name performers like Britney Spears and Michael Jackson and even worked with Jackson on his "This Is It" concert series before the singer's tragic passing.

Alonzo has continued to showcase his magical talents, appearing on the show "Masters of Illusion." But for fans of "Saved by the Bell," his appearance on the 2020 reimagining of the show was a special treat. It brought back memories of The Max and his beloved character.

Despite the passage of time, Alonzo's legacy as Max will always be remembered by fans. His quirky personality, unique sense of style, and impressive magic tricks made him unforgettable.

Whether performing magic on stage or making a surprise appearance on a new show, Alonzo will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans who grew up watching him on screen.

The show's characters may have moved on from Bayside High when the cameras stopped rolling on "Saved by the Bell," but their impact on pop culture and fans' hearts remained ever-present.

Even though the show has long since ended, the legacy lives on. It continues to inspire and entertain new generations, and the characters and their stories remain as relevant and resonant as ever.

As we end our journey through the lives of the stars of "Saved by the Bell," one thing is clear: the cast members have gone on to lead interesting lives. Some continued to work in the entertainment industry, while others pursued different paths altogether.

Here's to the cast of "Saved by the Bell" — thank you for the memories and for showing us that life can be full of unexpected twists and turns even after high school.