‘Saved by the Bell’ star Dustin Diamond says he has cancer

Dustin Diamond, who played Sam “Screech” Powers on “Saved by the Bell” during the late 1980s and early 1990s, announced he has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

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Diamond, 44, was hospitalized earlier this week, People reported. While the type of cancer was not revealed, Diamond’s spokespersons revealed his condition on his Facebook page.

“At this time we can confirm that Dustin does have cancer,” the statement reads. “Dustin will disclose more information once it is available and a plan moving forward is made.

“We ask everyone to respect Dustin’s privacy during this difficult time. All positivity and prayers are appreciated.”

Diamond appeared on all 86 episodes of “Saved by the Bell” from 1989 through 1992, playing the nerdy sidekick to friends Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez) and Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies).

“He’s undergoing chemo so he will be there at least another week and then we will figure out when he gets to come home,” a spokesperson for the actor told Entertainment Weekly. “By next week, we’ll have a much better understanding of the severity of his condition and what treatments he will need so that he’s comfortable.”

The show has made a comeback on NBC’s Peacock, but Diamond was not involved in the reboot, People reported.

“It’s something we put so much time and effort into,” Diamond told TMZ in February. “How do you have ‘Saved by the Bell’ without Screech? Right? I mean, it seems like there’s a missed opportunity there.”

Cox Media Group