LOS ANGELES:
Original “Saved by the Bell” star Dustin Diamond has begun undergoing chemotherapy treatments after being diagnosed with cancer, according to his representative.
Diamond, best known for playing Screech on the hit ’90s sitcom, was hospitalized earlier this month in Florida. Last week, his team disclosed he had cancer.
“Dustin has completed his first round of chemo and his next round is being scheduled. He will also begin his physical therapy soon,” the actor’s spokesman, Roger Paul, said in a statement.
“Dustin is looking forward to spending more time with his girlfriend, playing his bass guitar/ video games, as well as making videos for his fans on social media,” Paul added.
“Saved by the Bell” aired from 1989 to 1993, and its spinoffs included “Saved by the Bell: The College Years” and “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” both of which Diamond starred in. A sequel was launched on Peacock this fall featuring many from the original cast, including Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez, Tiffani Thiessen and Mark-Paul Gosselaar. Diamond was not included.
In 2007 Diamond was a cast member of the fifth season of Celebrity Fit Club. During his run on the show, he came into conflict with former American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke, country singer Cledus T. Judd, rapper Da Brat, the program’s host, Ant, and the program’s trainer, former USMC sergeant Harvey Walden IV. Tensions between Diamond and the rest of the celebrities culminated in an open confrontation during which Diamond initially challenged Ant to “physical combat” and subsequently issued the challenge to Harvey Walden after Walden defended Ant.
Diamond appeared as a contestant on Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling, broadcast on CMT. A huge fan and supporter of professional wrestling, Diamond was previously involved with Memphis Championship Wrestling in March and April 2000. He has had many wrestling involvements since then as a referee, manager and even a tag team partner. (Agencies)