Stars and fans of “Saved by the Bell” paid tribute on Monday to Dustin Diamond, who rose to fame and iconic pop culture status playing the geeky Samuel “Screech” Powers on the 1980s sitcom. Diamond died Monday at 44 from terminal brain cancer.
“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dustin Diamond, a true comedic genius. My sincere condolences to his family and friends,” former co-star Mark-Paul Gosselaar tweeted. “Looking back at or time working together, I will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce. A pie in your face, my comrade.”