Dustin Diamond, famous for playing Screech on Saved By The Bell, has died from cancer at the age of 44.
A spokesperson for the '90s sitcom star announced he had been diagnosed with a "brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer" that took his life after just a three-week battle.
"In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system - the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution. Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful," the statement read.
After finding fame on Saved By The Bell - which aired until 1993 - Diamond reprised his role as Screech in several spinoff shows and went on to star in a handful of reality series.
However, the actor's personal life was troubled and he had several brushes with the law, including being sued multiple times for delinquent taxes and missing mortgage payments. He was also sentenced to four months in jail for his role in a stabbing.
"Dustin was a humorous and high-spirited individual whose greatest passion was to make others laugh. He was able to sense and feel other peoples’ emotions to such a length that he was able to feel them too - a strength and a flaw, all in one," the statement concluded.
Diamond was surrounded by his girlfriend, Tash Jules, and a good friend when he died, according to his representative.
