Tori Spelling Pays Tribute To Dustin Diamond With Heartfelt Message
Dustin Diamond, who played the lovable character Samuel "Screech" Powers on the sitcom Saved by the Bell, died on Feb. 1, 2021, after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The diagnosis came three weeks before the star's death, with his rep confirming the news, per People. "He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago," the statement read. "Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful."
Though Dustin Diamond did not appear in the 2020 Saved by the Bell reboot and had an at times complicated adulthood ("Screech" would remain the star's biggest role, with a sex tape, controversial tell-all books, and brush with the law to follow), he clearly touched many peoples' lives. Celebrities and fans from his Bayside High days, and then some, have been quick to share heartfelt messages. Former co-star Mark-Paul Gosselaar called the late actor "a true comedic genius," adding he "will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce." Former co-star Mario Lopez said during an episode of Access Hollywood that he was "like a little brother to me." Aw.
Another sweet note has come from Tori Spelling. The Beverly Hills, 90210 actor starred as Screech's romantic interest Violet Bickerstaff on the series in 1990, per Page Six. Scroll down to see the touching tribute that Tori Spelling penned.
Tori Spelling calls Dustin Diamond her first 'onscreen love'
So what did Tori Spelling have to say about the late Dustin Diamond? She took to Instagram on Feb. 2, 2021, to share her memories working with the actor. "My 1st onscreen love Dustin Diamond got his Angel wings today..." she began. "Before there was David and Donna there was Screech and Violet. Dustin was my first on-screen kiss. He welcomed me with open arms onto the set of Saved By the Bell. As one can imagine being the newbie on a hit show was overwhelming for a 14-year-old girl. He not only showed me around but made sure I was always ok. Such a young gentleman. He was kind, smart, and always making everyone laugh. He was a great scene partner. He was a really good guy."
She added, "I'm sad after the show we never had much contact aside from occasionally running into each other at events. I'm glad he's out of pain. He's an icon to me professionally and personally. RIP Samuel love, your Violet."
The internet has been loving Spelling's thought-out and nostalgia-tinged words. "Oh man, just saw Tori Spelling's Instagram post about Dustin Diamond and now I'm on the verge of tears," one Twitter user wrote. "It truly was a nice tribute," another replied. "Not me crying at Tori Spelling's IG post about Dustin Diamond," wrote yet another. Tori Spelling's warm message about Dustin Diamond is moving and makes us feel like a #90skids again.