Dustin Diamond: Saved By The Bell star dies from cancer aged 44

Dustin Diamond, the actor best known for for playing Samuel "Screech" Powers in the popular 1990s US sitcom Saved By The Bell, has died aged 44.

Diamond was diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell carcinoma in early January and had been in treatment since. His condition had swiftly deteriorated over the past week. His representative, Roger Paul confirmed that the actor died on Monday morning (1 Febuary). “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.”

Diamond's rep noted the actor's history of mishaps throughout his career, which included a sex tape and a run-in with the law, but said he was a 'humorous and high-spirited individual whose greatest passion was to make others laugh'.

'We want the public to understand that he was not intentionally malevolent. He much like the rest of those who act out and behave poorly - had undergone a great deal of turmoil and heartache. His actions, though rebukeable, stemmed from loss and the lack of knowledge on how to process that pain properly,' the statement said.

'In actuality, Dustin was a humorous and high-spirited individual whose greatest passion was to make others laugh. He was able to sense and feel other peoples' emotions to such a length that he was able to feel them too - a strength and a flaw, all in one.'

Our thoughts are with Diamond's family and friends during these times.