Dustin Diamond
{{short description|American actor and comedian (1977–2021)}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{lead too short|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Dustin Diamond
| image = Dustin Diamond 2012.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Diamond in October 2012
| birth_name = Dustin Neil Diamond
| birth_date = {{birth date|1977|1|7}}
| birth_place = San Jose, California, U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|2021|2|1|1977|1|7}}
| death_place = Cape Coral, Florida, U.S.
| spouse = {{marriage|Jennifer Misner|2009|2013|end=separated}}
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Actor
- director
- comedian}}
| years_active = 1987–2021
}}
Dustin Neil Diamond (January 7, 1977 – February 1, 2021){{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2019/01/07/UPI-Almanac-for-Monday-Jan-7-2019/6991546835238/?ur3=1 |title=UPI Almanac for Monday, Jan, 7, 2019 |work=United Press International |date=January 7, 2019 |access-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190921143309/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2019/01/07/UPI-Almanac-for-Monday-Jan-7-2019/6991546835238/?ur3=1|url-status=live|quote= actor Dustin Diamond in 1977 (age 42)}} was an American actor and stand-up comedian. He is best known for portraying Samuel "Screech" Powers throughout the Saved by the Bell franchise.{{cite news|url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/dustin-diamond/bio/189858/|title=Dustin Diamond Biography|work=TV Guide|access-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-date=September 21, 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190921152611/https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/dustin-diamond/bio/189858/|url-status=live}}
Early life and family
Diamond was born in San Jose, California, the son of Jaimee and Mark Diamond.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/05/26/dustin-diamond-back-in-jail/|title=Dustin Diamond back in jail|date=May 26, 2016|website=The Mercury News|access-date=July 20, 2017|archive-date=April 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427164104/http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/05/26/dustin-diamond-back-in-jail/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/01/arts/television/dustin-diamond-dead.html|title=Dustin Diamond, Actor on 'Saved by the Bell,' Dies at 44|first=Johnny|last=Diaz|newspaper=The New York Times |date=February 1, 2021|access-date=February 2, 2021|archive-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202053658/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/01/arts/television/dustin-diamond-dead.html|url-status=live}} His father taught digital electronics for a computer processing firm, and his mother was a computer operator for Pacific Bell.{{cite book |title=Behind the Bell |url=https://archive.org/details/behindbellbehind0000diam |url-access=registration |first= Dustin |last=Diamond |year=2009 |publisher=Transit Pub. |isbn=9780981239699}} Diamond was Jewish,{{Cite web|last=Bloom|first=Nate|title=Jewish Stars|publisher=Cleveland Jewish News|date=October 20, 2008|url=https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/archives/jewish-stars/article_e71d8d7c-c86d-5830-aef0-8caad557a58d.html|access-date=December 24, 2017|archive-date=June 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610212809/https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/archives/jewish-stars/article_e71d8d7c-c86d-5830-aef0-8caad557a58d.html|url-status=live}} and attended Zion Lutheran School.{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/celebrity_fit_club/season_5/cast.jhtml |title=Celebrity Fit Club: Season 5 | Cast Bios |website=VH1.com |access-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-date=November 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120163220/http://www.vh1.com/shows/celebrity_fit_club/season_5/cast.jhtml |url-status=dead}}
Career
Diamond began acting as a child. He became known for playing Samuel "Screech" Powers on the television show Saved by the Bell, a role he played for close to thirteen years from its beginning as Good Morning, Miss Bliss (1988–89) through its final incarnation, Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1994–2000). Continuing the series into college, Saved by the Bell: The College Years shows most of the cast transplanted into not only the same college, but also the same college dormitory, where Screech continued his typical misadventures. The College Years was canceled after one season. Diamond returned to Bayside High as Principal Belding's assistant in The New Class episodes, remaining with the show until its cancellation.{{cite web |last1=Diaz |first1=Johnny |title=Dustin Diamond, Actor on 'Saved by the Bell,' Dies at 44 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/01/arts/television/dustin-diamond-dead.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=February 3, 2021 |date=February 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203020514/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/01/arts/television/dustin-diamond-dead.html |url-status=live}}
=Appearances after ''Saved by the Bell''=
Diamond began doing stand-up comedy after the end of Saved by the Bell and toured on and off after that.{{cite web|last=Venci|first=Scott|url=https://eu.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/entertainment/2018/05/16/dustin-diamond-screech-wisconsin-stand-up/610225002/|title=Dustin Diamond on Screech: 'Such a good thing, to be a household name for eternity'|work=The Green Bay Press Gazette|date=May 15, 2016|access-date=June 17, 2022}} He was also featured on a number of game and reality shows including The Weakest Link and Celebrity Boxing 2. Diamond also made several cameo appearances in films, including appearances in Made (2001) and Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003).
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. During one episode, Diamond mentioned what may have happened if he were to challenge Ant to "physical combat" and after Harvey Walden defended Ant, Diamond subsequently said the same to him,{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2007/09/19/2007-09-19_harvey_walden_of_celebrity_fit_club_want-2.html |title=Harvey Walden of 'Celebrity Fit Club' Wants 'No Excuses' |location=New York |work=Daily News |first=Gina |last=Salamone |date=September 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629075935/http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2007/09/19/2007-09-19_harvey_walden_of_celebrity_fit_club_want-2.html |archive-date= June 29, 2011}} causing Walden to lose his temper.
Following Celebrity Fit Club, Diamond played roles as "Alumnus Guy #1" in American Pie Presents: The Book of Love (2009), in a supporting role in the sports comedy Tetherball: The Movie (2010), and as Bernardo, the castle guard, in the partially-animated science fiction comedy Hamlet A.D.D. (2014).{{cite web |last=Louise |first=Mary |url=http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/arts/milwaukee-duo-brings-hamlet-add-to-life-b99179692z1-241724871.html |title=Milwaukee duo brings 'Hamlet A.D.D.' to life |publisher=Jsonline.com |access-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-date=January 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127021429/http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/arts/milwaukee-duo-brings-hamlet-add-to-life-b99179692z1-241724871.html |url-status=live}}
=Sex tape=
In 2006, Diamond directed and released his own celebrity sex tape, Screeched – Saved by the Smell.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10403458 |work=The New Zealand Herald |title=Screech hopes sex tape will lift profile |date=September 28, 2006 |access-date=September 21, 2011 |archive-date=January 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130143121/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10403458 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Transcript for September 27|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15045576|work=Countdown with Keith Olbermann|publisher=NBC News|access-date=September 22, 2011|date=September 27, 2006|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923214610/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/15045576|url-status=live}} According to Melanie McFarland's retelling of a press release, Diamond said the tape got out because he and a group of friends had a "monthly gathering" wherein they exchanged such tapes. Several years later, Diamond said in a Where Are They Now? interview on the Oprah Winfrey Network that he was not in the sex tape; rather, a stunt double had his likeness superimposed.
=''Behind the Bell''=
In 2009, Diamond published an inside story of the show's cast and crew, from his point of view, titled Behind the Bell.{{cite book |title=Behind the Bell |url=https://archive.org/details/behindbellbehind0000diam |url-access=registration |last=Diamond |first=Dustin |publisher=Transit Publishing, Inc. |year=2009|isbn=9780981239699}} The book paints an unflattering portrait of many of Diamond's colleagues and their allegedly sordid backstage behavior. Some of these claims have been repudiated by Diamond's colleagues and questioned by critics.{{cite news |journal=Huffington Post |date=September 29, 2009 |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/29/behind-the-bell-dustin-di_n_302908.html |title='Behind The Bell': Dustin Diamond, Screech, Spills Secrets From 'Saved by the Bell' |access-date=November 11, 2012 |archive-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625132609/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/29/behind-the-bell-dustin-di_n_302908.html |url-status=live}} Diamond later commented on the book's content in a December 2013 appearance on an Oprah: Where Are They Now? segment on the OWN Network in which he stated that the book was ghost written by an author who simply interviewed him and compiled the book from his answers. He claimed that many parts of the book, such as allegations of teen sex and drug use, were fabricated from very minor statements he made during the interviews.{{cite magazine|last1= Blistein|first1= Jon|title= Mark-Paul Gosselaar Slams 'Negative' Dustin Diamond 'Saved by the Bell' Book|url= https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/markpaul-gosselaar-slams-negative-dustin-diamond-saved-by-the-bell-book-20140807|magazine= Rolling Stone|access-date= August 23, 2014|archive-date= August 17, 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140817135440/http://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/markpaul-gosselaar-slams-negative-dustin-diamond-saved-by-the-bell-book-20140807|url-status= live}}
=Other work=
Diamond was also a musician and formed an alternative metal band called Salty The Pocketknife. Diamond played bass and wrote much of the music as well. Shortly after recording their first album, the band split up due to internal disagreements.{{cite web|url=http://gazettereview.com/2016/01/dustin-diamond-screech-now-updates/|title=What Happened To Dustin Diamond – Screech Now in 2017 Update – The Gazette Review|first=Barry W.|last=Stanton|date=January 4, 2016|access-date=January 15, 2016|archive-date=January 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114200029/http://gazettereview.com/2016/01/dustin-diamond-screech-now-updates|url-status=live}} Diamond also appeared on truTV's The Smoking Gun Presents: World's Dumbest... as a commentator.{{cite web |title='Saved by the Bell' star Dustin Diamond dies at 44 |url=http://www.t102radio.com/2021/02/02/saved-by-the-bell-star-dustin-diamond-dies-at-44/ |website=WAVT |access-date=February 3, 2021 |archive-date=February 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207191912/http://www.t102radio.com/2021/02/02/saved-by-the-bell-star-dustin-diamond-dies-at-44/ |url-status=live}}
He appeared as a host at the 12th annual Gathering of the Juggalos.{{cite video |people=Fats Pepper (presenter), Guy Gorfey |date=April 11, 2009 |title=Weekly Freekly Weekly Special 2011 Gathering Edition |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy_uj82xKKI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/dy_uj82xKKI |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Detroit |access-date=April 12, 2009}}{{cbignore}}
In August 2013, Diamond became a housemate on the twelfth series of Celebrity Big Brother in the UK. He became the fourth housemate to be evicted on Day 16.{{cite web |url=http://bigbrother247.co.uk/day-16-bruce-is-the-5th-person-to-be-evicted-from-the-house/ |title=Day 16: Bruce is the 5th person to be evicted from the House |publisher=Big Brother 24/7 |date=September 6, 2013 |access-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921180547/http://bigbrother247.co.uk/day-16-bruce-is-the-5th-person-to-be-evicted-from-the-house/ |url-status=live}}
Diamond was a spokesperson for the Rockford, Illinois-based insurance company Insurance King. In some Insurance King commercials he is featured in, he makes several references to Saved By the Bell (with logos in the commercial saying “Saved By the King”). In other commercials, he is shown to be pulled over, not caring about the already numerous tickets he has because he is “saved by the King!”,{{Citation|title=RIP Dustin Diamond — Traffic Stop Insurance King commercial| date=August 3, 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rPwj3Tf-dU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/7rPwj3Tf-dU |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=June 23, 2021}}{{cbignore}} being in a Western style standoff,{{Citation|title=Fast Car Insurance Quotes Insurance King featuring Dustin Diamond| date=November 12, 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBi4COjijd0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/ZBi4COjijd0 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=June 23, 2021}}{{cbignore}} and being a terrible barber.{{Citation|title=Insurance King ad with Dustin Diamond (barber shop)| date=November 26, 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODBfT-6Xkxs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/ODBfT-6Xkxs |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=June 23, 2021}}{{cbignore}}
Professional wrestling career
Diamond was a fan of professional wrestling. He appeared at Memphis Championship Wrestling in April 2000. He was a part of a skit with The Kat where he was beaten up by Chip Diver, the Fabulous Rocker, and Dannie B.{{cite web |title='Saved by the Bell' actor Dustin Diamond dies of lung cancer at age of 44:Dustin Diamond dabbled in Professional Wrestling |url=http://greensborosports.com/2021/02/01/saved-by-the-bell-actor-dustin-diamond-dies-of-lung-cancer-at-age-of-44dustin-diamond-dabbled-in-professional-wrestling/ |website=Greensboro Sports |access-date=February 3, 2021 |date=February 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221062442/http://greensborosports.com/2021/02/01/saved-by-the-bell-actor-dustin-diamond-dies-of-lung-cancer-at-age-of-44dustin-diamond-dabbled-in-professional-wrestling/ |url-status=live}}
On September 18, 2002, he appeared on an NWA-TNA's Asylum weekly pay-per-view. Billed as Screech, he challenged TNA's bellkeeper, Tiny the Bellkeeper, to a boxing match. Screech won by knockout in 42 seconds.{{cite web |title=Celebrity Wrestler Dustin Diamond aka 'Screech' Passes Away |url=https://heelbynature.com/wrestling-news/celebrity-wrestler-dustin-diamond-aka-screech-passes-away/ |website=Heel by Nature |access-date=February 3, 2021 |date=February 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201202012/https://heelbynature.com/wrestling-news/celebrity-wrestler-dustin-diamond-aka-screech-passes-away/ |url-status=live}}
In 2008, Diamond was a contestant on Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling, broadcast on CMT.{{cite web |title=Dustin "Screech" Diamond Passes Away, Hulk Hogan Pays Tribute |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/02/actor-and-pro-wrestling-fan-dustin-diamond-passes-away-hulk-hogan-pays-tribute/ |website=Wrestling Inc. |date=February 2021 |access-date=February 3, 2021 |archive-date=February 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203002734/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/02/actor-and-pro-wrestling-fan-dustin-diamond-passes-away-hulk-hogan-pays-tribute/ |url-status=live}}
Diamond was a special guest referee for a match at Celebrity Big Bang Wrestling, Mistress Devon James vs Susan Finkelstein on July 22, 2010.
On February 11, 2011, Diamond teamed with Jordan McEntrye and Knight Wagner, losing to MsChif, Marion Fontaine and Krotch in an intergender match at AAW in Merrionette Park, Illinois. On March 17, 2011, he teamed with Bushwhacker Luke, Izzy Slapawitz and Doink the Clown to beat Virgil, Ashley Sixx, Celine Jean and Sheena at TWE Rethinking Rumble in Vaughan, Ontario. He lost his final match in a tag during the main event of FTW Summer of Synn, in Ronkonkoma, New York, on July 7, 2012.
Personal life
In 2001, Diamond filed for bankruptcy in California. He moved to Port Washington, Wisconsin, in 2003.{{cite web|title = 'A great rehab project': 'Saved by the Bell' actor Dustin Diamond's Port Washington home is on the market|url = https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/northshore/news/port-washington/2020/07/07/dustin-diamond-saved-bell-selling-port-washington-home/5383766002/|access-date = February 1, 2021|work = Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel|last = Kirby|first = Hannah|archive-date = February 1, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210201203352/https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/northshore/news/port-washington/2020/07/07/dustin-diamond-saved-bell-selling-port-washington-home/5383766002/|url-status = live}} On June 13, 2006, he asked listeners of The Howard Stern Show to visit his website and purchase a T-shirt, reading "I paid $15.00 to save Screeech's house" (spelling "Screech" with an extra E for copyright reasons). He said he hoped to sell 30,000 shirts in order to raise $250,000 and avoid foreclosure on his house.{{cite web |title=Screech selling T-shirts to save house |url=https://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Screech-selling-T-shirts-to-save-house-1865649.php |date=June 16, 2006 |access-date=March 1, 2020 |publisher=Houston Chronicle |archive-date=March 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301211355/https://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Screech-selling-T-shirts-to-save-house-1865649.php |url-status=live}} Diamond moved to Florida in 2018,{{cite web |last1=Shportun |first1=Kyra |title=Dustin Diamond, 'Saved by the Bell' star, died in Cape Coral |url=https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2021/02/05/dustin-diamond-saved-the-bell-star-died-in-cape-coral/ |website=NBC-2.com |date=February 5, 2021 |publisher=WBBH |access-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205170913/https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2021/02/05/dustin-diamond-saved-the-bell-star-died-in-cape-coral/ |url-status=live}} and put his house in Port Washington up for sale the following year.
He reportedly married longtime girlfriend Jennifer Misner in 2009, separated in 2013 and later divorced, although his death certificate lists him as having never married.{{cite web |title=Dustin Diamond Death Certificate |url=https://dam.tmz.com/document/ec/o/2021/03/05/ec4651a5d77d4f0480c2c42e275c4772.pdf |website=TMZ |access-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311014220/https://dam.tmz.com/document/ec/o/2021/03/05/ec4651a5d77d4f0480c2c42e275c4772.pdf |url-status=live}} They did not have any children.{{Cite web|last=Choiniere|first=Alyssa|date=February 1, 2021|title=Was Dustin Diamond Married? Did He Have Kids When He Died?|url=https://heavy.com/entertainment/dustin-diamond-married-kids-wife-girlfriend-children/|access-date=February 4, 2021|website=Heavy.com|language=en-US|archive-date=February 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201225051/https://heavy.com/entertainment/dustin-diamond-married-kids-wife-girlfriend-children/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIDXjYm4B8I |title=Riaz Talks With Dustin Diamond – City TV Vancouver (October 2012) |date=October 17, 2012 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=May 17, 2013 |archive-date=October 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022083219/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIDXjYm4B8I |url-status=live}}
On December 26, 2014, Diamond was arrested in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, for possession of a switchblade knife, which he was alleged to have pulled during a bar altercation in which a man was stabbed.{{cite web |url=http://fox6now.com/2014/12/26/dustin-diamond-actor-who-played-screech-on-saved-by-the-bell-arrested-in-ozaukee-co/ |title=Arrested, accused in stabbing at bar, Dustin Diamond aka "Screech" has Monday court hearing |publisher=FOX6Now.com |date=December 26, 2014 |access-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-date=September 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909205453/http://fox6now.com/2014/12/26/dustin-diamond-actor-who-played-screech-on-saved-by-the-bell-arrested-in-ozaukee-co/ |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/saved-bell-actor-arrested-wisconsin-050003275.html |title='Saved by the Bell' Actor Arrested in Wisconsin – Yahoo News |publisher=News.yahoo.com |date=December 26, 2014 |access-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107073218/http://news.yahoo.com/saved-bell-actor-arrested-wisconsin-050003275.html |url-status=live}} Amanda Schutz, his fiancée,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30631690 |title=Saved by the Bell actor Dustin Diamond in court over stabbing |work=BBC News |date=December 30, 2014 |access-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925165840/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30631690 |url-status=live}} was found guilty of disorderly conduct and fined $500.{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/06/25/screech-s-long-sad-road-to-the-slammer-the-fall-of-saved-by-the-bell-star-dustin-diamond.html|first=Amy|last=Zimmerman|title=Screech's Long, Sad Road to the Slammer: The Fall of 'Saved by the Bell' Star Dustin Diamond|work=The Daily Beast|date=September 25, 2015|access-date=November 5, 2015|archive-date=December 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204090759/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/06/25/screech-s-long-sad-road-to-the-slammer-the-fall-of-saved-by-the-bell-star-dustin-diamond.html|url-status=live}} On May 29, 2015, he was convicted of two misdemeanors: carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct. He was cleared of the most serious charge, recklessly endangering public safety.{{cite web|title=Screech on Trial: 'Saved By the Bell' Actor Dustin Diamond Convicted in Stabbing|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OhiDS_C5Us|work=NBC News|access-date=May 30, 2015|archive-date=January 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107073218/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OhiDS_C5Us|url-status=live}} On June 25, he was sentenced to four months in jail.{{cite web|title=Dustin Diamond, 'Saved By the Bell' Star, Sentenced to Four Months For Stabbing|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/celebrity/saved-bell-star-sentenced-four-months-stabbing-n381736|work=NBC News|date=June 25, 2015 |access-date=June 25, 2015|archive-date=June 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626162800/http://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/celebrity/saved-bell-star-sentenced-four-months-stabbing-n381736|url-status=live}} He served three months and was released on probation. His probation agent later determined that he had violated his terms and he was arrested again in May 2016.McKirdy, Evan (May 26, 2016). [http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/26/entertainment/dustin-diamond-probation-hold/index.html "'Saved by the Bell' star Dustin Diamond back in jail after probation violation"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526171433/http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/26/entertainment/dustin-diamond-probation-hold/index.html |date=May 26, 2016}}. CNN.
Illness and death
In early January 2021, Diamond was diagnosed with extensive stage four small cell carcinoma of the lungs.{{cite news|url = https://deadline.com/2021/01/saved-by-the-bell-star-dustin-diamond-battling-stage-4-cancer-1234674450/|title = 'Saved By The Bell' Star Dustin Diamond Battling Stage 4 Cancer|date = January 14, 2021|access-date = January 15, 2021|last = Haring|first = Bruce|work = Deadline Hollywood|archive-date = January 15, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210115024035/https://deadline.com/2021/01/saved-by-the-bell-star-dustin-diamond-battling-stage-4-cancer-1234674450/|url-status = live}} Despite completing one round of chemotherapy in Cape Coral, Florida,{{cite news|url = https://mullinsmemorial.com/obituaries/dustin-neil-diamond/|title = Dustin Neil Diamond|date = February 1, 2021|access-date = February 4, 2021|work = Mullins Memorial|archive-date = February 4, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210204000707/https://mullinsmemorial.com/obituaries/dustin-neil-diamond/|url-status = live}} he died from the disease on February 1, 2021, at age 44.{{cite news|url = https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/saved-bell-star-dustin-diamond-begins-chemotherapy-stage-4-lung-n1255176|title = 'Saved by the Bell' star Dustin Diamond begins chemotherapy for stage 4 lung cancer|work = NBC News|date = January 21, 2021|access-date = January 21, 2021|last1 = Fieldstadt|first1 = Elisha|last2 = Dasrath|first2 = Diana|archive-date = January 21, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210121203928/https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/saved-bell-star-dustin-diamond-begins-chemotherapy-stage-4-lung-n1255176|url-status = live}}{{cite web |title=Dustin Diamond, 'Saved by the Bell' Actor, Dies at 44 |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/dustin-diamond-dead-saved-by-the-bell-screech-1234897484/ |date=February 1, 2021 |access-date=February 1, 2021 |publisher=Variety |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201185758/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/dustin-diamond-dead-saved-by-the-bell-screech-1234897484/ |url-status=live}}
= NASCAR tribute =
After Diamond's death, Dan Block, the founder of Insurance King and close friend of Diamond, partnered with Josh Bilicki, driver of the #52 Rick Ware Racing Ford, to run a tribute car for Diamond in the 2021 Verizon 200 at the Brickyard.{{Cite web|last=Vlahos|first=Nick|title=How Dustin Diamond of 'Saved by the Bell' ended up living in Peoria|url=https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/columns/nick-in-the-morning/2021/02/03/how-dustin-diamond-saved-bell-ended-up-living-peoria-illinois/4369577001/|access-date=August 15, 2021|website=Peoria Journal Star|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=August 14, 2021|title=The Story Behind the "Saved By The King" Throwback for Josh Bilicki|url=https://tobychristie.com/2021/08/14/the-story-behind-the-saved-by-the-king-throwback-for-josh-bilicki/|access-date=August 15, 2021|website=TobyChristie.com|language=en-US}}
Filmography
=Film=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes ! Refs |
|---|
| 1987
|Young Stiles |Film |
| 1988
|Big Z |Film |
| 1989
|Beach boy |Film |
| 2000
|Waiter |Film |
| 2001
|Made |Himself |Film |
| rowspan="2" |2002
|Simone |Film |
| Big Fat Liar
|Himself |Film |
| rowspan=2|2003
|Himself |Film |
| Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star
|Himself |Film |
| 2004
|13th Grade |Corey |Film |
| 2006
|Screeched: Saved by the Smell |Himself |Film; also directed |
| 2008
|Mr. Renolds |Film |
| rowspan="2" |2009
|Porndogs: The Adventures of Sadie |Buster |Film; voice role |
| American Pie Presents: The Book of Love
|Alumnus Guy #1 |Film |
| 2010
|Man in Outhouse |Film |
| 2011
|Tetherball: The Movie |Coach McAger |Film |
| rowspan="4" |2013
|A Dog for Christmas |Fred |Film |
| Captured Hearts
|Oliver Jaffe |Film |
| Scavenger Killers
|Agent Dewayne |Film |
| College Fright Night
|Professor Donnely |Film |
| 2014
|Bernardo |Film |
| 2016
|Joker's Wild |Raynard |Film |
=Television=
=Music Videos=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes ! Refs |
|---|
| 1999
|Groom |Music Video for the band 98 Degrees | |
| 2017
|Harvey Weinstein |Music Video for the band TENLo |
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Year !Award !Category !Nominated work !Result |
| rowspan="2" |1990
| rowspan="7" |Young Artist Awards |Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast {{Small|(shared with the cast)}} | rowspan="5" |Saved by the Bell |{{Nominated}} |
| Best Young Actor in an Off-Primetime Family Series
|{{Nominated}} |
| rowspan="2" |1991
|Outstanding Young Comedian in a Television Series |{{Nominated}} |
| rowspan="2" |Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Television Series {{Small|(shared with the cast)}}
|{{Won}} |
| 1992
|{{Nominated}} |
| rowspan="3" |1993
|Best Ensemble Performance in a TV Movie or Special {{Small|(shared with the cast)}} |Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style |{{Won}} |
| Ensemble Award {{Small|(shared with the cast)}}
| rowspan="2" |Saved by the Bell |{{Won}} |
| rowspan="2" |TV Guide Awards
|Editor's Choice {{Small|(shared with the cast)}} |{{Won}} |
| rowspan="2" |1994
|Favorite Ensemble {{Small|(shared with the cast)}} | rowspan="3" |Saved by the Bell: The College Years |{{Won}} |
| Young Artist Awards
|Outstanding Youth Ensemble in a Cable or Off Primetime Series {{Small|(shared with the cast)}} |{{Nominated}} |
| 1995
|Best Young Ensemble Cast – Television {{Small|(shared with the cast)}} |{{Won}} |
| 2002
|Best Cameo |Made |{{Nominated}} |
| 2004
|Impact Award {{Small|(shared with the cast)}} |Saved by the Bell |{{Won}} |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|0224616}}
- {{Discogs artist|Dustin Diamond}}
- {{cite web |url=http://www.thecommentary.ca/ontheline/20050525a.html |title=Dustin Diamond |series=Interview |publisher=The Commentary |date=May 25, 2005 |first=Joseph |last=Planta}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Diamond, Dustin}}
Category:20th-century American comedians
Category:20th-century American male actors
Category:21st-century American comedians
Category:21st-century American male actors
Category:American male child actors
Category:American male television actors
Category:American stand-up comedians
Category:Comedians from California
Category:Comedians from Wisconsin
Category:Deaths from lung cancer in Florida
Category:Film directors from California
Category:Film directors from Wisconsin
Category:Jewish American male actors
Category:Jewish American comedians
Category:Jewish male comedians
Category:Male actors from San Jose, California
Category:Musicians from San Jose, California
Category:Participants in American reality television series