Tori Spelling paid tribute to her late co-star Dustin Diamond, ‘Saved by the Bell’, after his death at the age of 44.
Last month, the actor was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell cancer. His agent told Fox News Diamond died Monday “of carcinoma.” It did not take long before his regular co-stars on the hit sitcom uttered and paid homage to the late star.
Among them was Spelling, who shared a long caption about Diamond on Instagram, along with a black-and-white photo of them posing as children. Spelling had a run-up in 1990 as the girlfriend of Diamond’s Screech character, Violet Bickerstaff.
“My first love on screen, Dustin Diamond, got his Angel Wings today …” she begins her note.
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She added: “Before there was David and Donna, there was Screech and Violet. Dustin was my first kiss on screen. He welcomed me with open arms on the set of ‘Saved By the Bell’.”
The actress “Beverly Hills 90210” further revealed that Diamond takes a special interest in making sure she feels comfortable and welcome in the program, for which she is grateful to this day.
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Tori Spelling shared a heartfelt message testifying to her late co-star Dustin Diamond.
(Getty Images)
“As one can imagine, the beginner in a hit program was an overwhelming factor for a 14-year-old girl. He not only showed me, but also made sure I was always good. Such a young gentleman. He was friendly, smart and always made everyone laugh, ‘she wrote. “He was a wonderful playmate. He was really a good guy. I’m sad after the show that we never had much contact, except that we sometimes run into each other on occasions.
Diamond’s representative told Fox News that his “cruel, relentless form of malignant cancer” has spread rapidly in the three weeks since it was diagnosed.
“Dustin did not suffer. He does not have to lie in pain. For that we are grateful,” he explained.
Spelling ended her note by expressing her relief that Diamond was not suffering.
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“I’m glad he’s in pain. He’s a professional and personal icon for me. RIP love Samuel, your violin,” she concluded.
Diamond portrayed Screech for 13 years. He has also starred in several TV series, including season 5 of ‘Celebrity Fit Club’, ‘The Weakest Link’ and ‘Celebrity Boxing 2’.
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He has appeared in films such as “Made” (2001), “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star” (2003) and “American Pie Presents: The Book of Love” (2009). In December 2013, Diamond appeared in an episode of OWN’s “Where Are They Now?” and became a house member in season 12 of ‘Celebrity Big Brother’.
Fox News’ Stephanie Nolasco and The Associated Press contributed to this report.