Dustin Diamond’s former castmates post tributes to ‘true comedic genius’ Saved By the Bell actor

‘The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted,’ Mario Lopez writes on social media

Tributes have poured in for Dustin Diamond on social media following news of the Saved By the Bell actor’s death.

Co-star Mario Lopez, who played AC Slater on the beloved teen sitcom, wrote, “Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on...”

Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, echoed Lopez’s sentiments, adding: “I am deeply saddened by the news of my old co-star @realdustindiamond passing. Life is extremely fragile and it’s something we should never take for granted. God speed Dustin.”

Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who played Zack Morris, also posted a touching tribute to his castmate, writing, “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dustin Diamond, a true comedic genius. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Looking back at our time working together, I will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce. A pie in your face, my comrade.”

Fans also posted tributes to the late actor, who died on Monday (1 February) of Stage 4 lung cancer.

“Everyone my age grew up watching Dustin Diamond in Saved By the Bell. Screech was hilarious! I’m sorry to hear about his passing today. Dustin will always be a TV icon because Saved By the Bell will live on and on. Rest well,” actor Eric West wrote.

“Everyone wanted to be Zack, but most of us were Screech. RIP Dustin Diamond,” said one fan.

“Screech was such an iconic, beloved character for so many of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s. Genuinely saddened by this loss. Also, the industry is so ruthless. Dustin Diamond really had a rough time after Saved By the Bell. Tragic to hear of his death at 44. F Cancer,” wrote another.

“Dustin Diamond was a character in and of himself: an unpredictable spitfire who always left us shocked, but never left us bored,” the actor’s rep told The Independent. 

“We are thankful he trusted us enough to share his genuine, authentic self with our team. We wish you knew him in the way that we did. We please ask that you give room for privacy to our team and Mr Diamond’s family during this tragic time, as we grieve and remember the memories spent together. This loss is as much stinging as it is sudden."