Actor Dustin Diamond was taken to a hospital in Florida due to an unknown illness.
Diamond—who is best known for playing the role of Screech on “Saved by the Bell”—was reportedly hospitalized over the weekend after feeling pain and “a general sense of unease.”
TMZ reports that, although his illness is officially undisclosed, sources claim Diamond is currently suffering from cancer. These sources additionally state the actor is currently undergoing a biopsy at the hospital in order to determine which type of cancer may be afflicting him.
Entertainment Weekly states that a member of Diamond’s team revealed that the prognosis is serious, although the extent of its severity has yet to be confirmed.
Diamond portrayed Screech for the entirety of “Saved by the Bell’s” original run in the nineties. The character was beloved for his quirky, hapless ways, and Diamond quickly became an icon in the sitcom space.
However, NBCUniversal’s recent reboot of the “Saved by the Bell” series aired with no Screech to be found.
“He wants to be paid and respected,” explained Lark Voorhies, Diamond’s former co-star, with regards to his absence. “We would love for him to come back on set. He’s going through his growing pains…He’s going through adult issues and all that, but I am sure he’ll be back—granted they have the perfect contract for him. I’m sure he would be back.”
Currently, the “Saved by the Bell” reboot explains Screech’s absence by stating he’s on the International Space Station. The revival series has yet to be renewed by the network.