What Happened to Dustin Diamond? Is He Still Alive?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Apr 03, 2023
Who was Dustin Diamond?
Dustin Neil Diamond was an American actor and stand-up comedian, famous for his portrayal of Samuel "Screech" Powers in the Saved by the Bell franchise. He started his acting career at a young age and played the role of Screech for almost thirteen years, starting from Good Morning, Miss Bliss (1988-89) and ending with Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1994-2000).
Dustin Neil Diamond was born to Jaimee and Mark Diamond in San Jose, California. His father worked as a digital electronics instructor for a computer processing company while his mother was a computer operator at Pacific Bell. Diamond grew up in a Jewish household and attended Zion Lutheran School.
In Saved by the Bell: The College Years, most of the cast moved to the same college and dormitory, where Screech continued to get into his usual mishaps. However, the show was canceled after one season. Later, in The New Class episodes, Diamond returned to Bayside High as Principal Belding's assistant and remained with the show until it was canceled.
What Happened to Dustin Diamond?
On February 1, 2021, Dustin Diamond, best known for his portrayal of Screech in Saved by the Bell, passed away. In a statement released by Roger Paul, Diamond's publicist, it was acknowledged that Diamond had a controversial past and was not well-regarded by many. However, Paul emphasized that Diamond was not intentionally malicious and had experienced a lot of pain and suffering, leading to his problematic behavior. Despite his flaws, Diamond had a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh. He was also highly empathetic and could feel other people's emotions deeply. His death is a significant loss for his family.
As Samuel "Screech" Powers on "Saved by the Bell," Diamond created a character that was instantly recognizable and beloved by fans of all ages. His natural comedic talent and ability to bring laughter to even the most serious situations made him a standout performer and a fan favorite.
Beyond his role on "Saved by the Bell," Diamond continued to make audiences laugh through his stand-up comedy performances and appearances on various television shows. His humor was both witty and relatable, and he had a special ability to connect with audiences and leave them feeling uplifted and inspired.
Is Dustin Diamond Still Alive?
No, Dustin Diamond is not alive. According to a close friend of Dustin Diamond, he was never married to Jennifer Misner, despite Diamond having claimed that they were. The friend also revealed that the couple had separated before Diamond's death. Furthermore, Diamond had been engaged to Amanda Schutz, but they had broken up. His death certificate also indicates that he was never legally married to Misner.
Misner's LinkedIn profile indicates that she works in sales and marketing for a Holiday Inn Express in Hollidaysburg, near Altoona, Pennsylvania. She has held the position of director of sales and marketing for over a decade. Diamond had made public appearances in December, but by mid-January, he was undergoing medical testing, as per his Facebook page. On January 14, it was announced on his Facebook page that he had cancer.
Dustin Diamond Cause of Death
Dustin Diamond was diagnosed with stage four small cell carcinoma of the lungs. Small cell carcinoma is a type of lung cancer that typically originates in the bronchi or other large airways of the lungs. It is considered an aggressive and fast-growing cancer that can quickly spread to other parts of the body, including the brain, liver, and bone. Small cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 10-15% of all lung cancers, and it is most commonly diagnosed in heavy smokers or individuals who have been exposed to secondhand smoke.
Treatment for small cell carcinoma typically involves a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as surgery is not usually an effective option due to the spread of the cancer. While small cell carcinoma can be difficult to treat, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment can improve the chances of survival and quality of life for patients. However, the prognosis for extensive stage four small cell carcinoma of the lungs, like in the case of Dustin Diamond, is generally poor, with a five-year survival rate of less than 10%.
Although Dustin Diamond's life was not without its challenges, Diamond faced them with courage and resilience, and he continued to pursue his passion for entertainment even in the face of adversity. His legacy as a talented and beloved performer will live on through his work, and he will be remembered fondly by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him or experiencing his humor and wit.
Dustin Diamond Age
Dustin Diamond was 44 years old at the time of his death. Dustin Diamond was a talented actor and comedian who achieved success at a young age, and his life serves as a reminder that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one's dreams. Despite facing various challenges and setbacks throughout his life, including his controversial public image and his battle with cancer, Diamond continued to pursue his passion for entertaining and bringing joy to others.
His ability to connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds is a testament to his natural talent and dedication to his craft. Whether he was portraying the lovable and quirky Screech on "Saved by the Bell" or delivering stand-up comedy performances, Diamond's work was always infused with humor, heart, and a unique perspective on life.
Although his life was tragically cut short at the age of 44, Dustin Diamond's legacy lives on through his work and the impact he had on those who knew him. His determination, creativity, and humor serve as an inspiration to anyone who dreams of pursuing their passions, no matter what age they may be.
Dustin Diamond was a beloved actor, comedian, and entertainer whose work brought joy and laughter to audiences around the world. His passing is a great loss to the entertainment industry, and to his fans who knew and loved him for his unique and unforgettable contributions to the world of comedy.
What happened to Dustin Diamond - FAQs
Dustin Diamond is best known for playing Samuel "Screech" Powers in the popular TV series "Saved by the Bell." He portrayed the character in various iterations of the show from 1988 to 2000.
Aside from "Saved by the Bell," Diamond had guest roles in several TV shows, including "The Wonder Years," "The Munsters Today," and "Celebrity Fit Club." He also appeared in various reality TV shows and had several stand-up comedy performances.
Dustin Diamond passed away on February 1, 2021, at the age of 44. He died due to complications from stage four lung cancer, which he was diagnosed with just a few weeks before his death.
Dustin Diamond was engaged to Amanda Schutz, but they eventually broke up. He was also romantically linked to Jennifer Misner, but they were never legally married, as confirmed by his death certificate. He did not have any children.
Yes, Diamond had a few controversies during his career, including releasing a sex tape in 2006, writing a tell-all book about "Saved by the Bell," and getting into a physical altercation with a fellow patron at a bar in 2014. However, his friends and family have emphasized that he was a kind and humorous person who had undergone a great deal of turmoil and heartache in his life.