Dustin Diamond, best known for playing a goofy nerd on Saved By The Bell, has died. He was 44 years old.

Diamond had been diagnosed with cancer three weeks prior to his death, said his representation Roger Paul. "In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution," Paul said in a statement. "Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful."

An outpouring of gratitude from Saved By The Bell fans and co-stars has emerged on Twitter since news broke of Diamond's passing. Among those paying tribute to the actor are his Saved By The Bell classmates Mario Lopez, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, and Tiffani Thiessen.

"Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something to never be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on..." wrote Mario Lopez.

Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on... pic.twitter.com/BnxY9XgN5g

— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) February 1, 2021

Mark-Paul Gosselaar wrote: "Looking back at our time working together, I will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce."

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dustin Diamond, a true comedic genius. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Looking back at our time working together, I will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce. A pie in your face, my comrade.

— Mark-Paul Gosselaar (@MPG) February 1, 2021

Tiffani Thiessen took to Insgatram to say: "I am deeply saddened by the news of my old co-star @realdustindiamond passing. Life is extremely fragile and it’s something we should never take for granted. God speed Dustin."

 

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A post shared by Tiffani Thiessen (@tiffanithiessen)

Kimberly Torres said: "The death of Dustin Diamond today made me reminise a lot [about] a tv show I loved when I was growing up. The Miss Bayside episode, where Screech wins the crown, is a favorite. RIP Dustin. Thanks for the laughs!"

The death of #DustinDiamond #Screech today made me reminisce a lot of a tv show I loved when I was growing up. The Miss Bayside episode, where Screech wins the crown, is a favorite. RIP Dustin. Thanks for the laughs! pic.twitter.com/tzznpZie1f

— Kimberly Torres (@newsroomkimarie) February 1, 2021

#DustinDiamond may no longer be with us, but Screech's undying love for Lisa Turtle lives on 🐢 (Side note: I love how his character stanned an original B.A.P. like he did) pic.twitter.com/01m5tml2Zi

— Lisa Blunt (@Lisa_Blunt) February 1, 2021