US actor Dustin Diamond, best known for playing the nerdy Screech on the hit TV series Saved By The Bell, died Monday, his agent said, just weeks after being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. He was 44.

"He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system," the agent, Roger Paul, told news agency AFP. "Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful."

Diamond, a California native, launched his career with Good Morning, Miss Bliss, a series about junior high students that only lasted one season, but which spawned Saved By The Bell.

Dustin Diamond's Screech character, along with several others, were transported to the fictional Bayside High School in California for Bell, which aired for four seasons starting in 1989. The light-hearted show tackling the highs and lows of adolescence was popular both in the United States and abroad.

Diamond's offbeat Samuel "Screech" Powers was the perfect foil for Mark-Paul Gosselaar's Zack Morris. Even though he was a major reason for the show's success, Diamond's career did not take off afterwards.

- 'You will be missed' -

Other than some Saved By The Bell spinoffs and made-for-television movies, he worked infrequently in small roles.

In 2009, his tell-all book "Behind The Bell"&nbsp;contained some juicy behind-the-scenes tales of the set -- but Diamond later admitted it was full of fabricated anecdotes.

In 2015, he was sentenced to four months in prison for carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct in connection with a stabbing at a bar.

He was released from jail a month early in 2016 for good behavior.

In recent years, Diamond has worked as a stand-up comedian and appeared on several reality TV shows.

"We are aware that Dustin is not considered reputable by most. He's had a history of mishaps, of unfortunate events," his agent said Monday.

"We want the public to understand that he was not intentionally malevolent. (...) His actions, though rebukable, stemmed from loss and the lack of knowledge on how to process that pain properly."

Last year, when the rest of the Saved By The Bell cast reunited for yet another reboot, Diamond did not appear.

His former co-stars paid tribute to him on Monday.

"Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dustin Diamond, a true comedic genius," Gosselaar wrote on Twitter.

"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."

Mario Lopez, who played AC Slater on Bell, added: "Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted."

US actor Dustin Diamond, best known for playing the nerdy Screech on the hit TV series Saved By The Bell, died Monday, his agent said, just weeks after being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.

US actor Dustin Diamond, best known for playing the nerdy Screech on the hit TV series Saved By The Bell, died Monday, his agent said, just weeks after being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. He was 44. "He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system," the agent, Roger Paul, told news agency AFP. "Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful." Diamond, a California native, launched his career with Good Morning, Miss Bliss, a series about junior high students that only lasted one season, but which spawned Saved By The Bell. Dustin Diamond's Screech character, along with several others, were transported to the fictional Bayside High School in California for Bell, which aired for four seasons starting in 1989. The light-hearted show tackling the highs and lows of adolescence was popular both in the United States and abroad. Diamond's offbeat Samuel "Screech" Powers was the perfect foil for Mark-Paul Gosselaar's Zack Morris. Even though he was a major reason for the show's success, Diamond's career did not take off afterwards. - 'You will be missed' - Other than some Saved By The Bell spinoffs and made-for-television movies, he worked infrequently in small roles. In 2009, his tell-all book "Behind The Bell" contained some juicy behind-the-scenes tales of the set -- but Diamond later admitted it was full of fabricated anecdotes. In 2015, he was sentenced to four months in prison for carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct in connection with a stabbing at a bar. He was released from jail a month early in 2016 for good behavior. In recent years, Diamond has worked as a stand-up comedian and appeared on several reality TV shows. "We are aware that Dustin is not considered reputable by most. He's had a history of mishaps, of unfortunate events," his agent said Monday. "We want the public to understand that he was not intentionally malevolent. (...) His actions, though rebukable, stemmed from loss and the lack of knowledge on how to process that pain properly." Last year, when the rest of the Saved By The Bell cast reunited for yet another reboot, Diamond did not appear. His former co-stars paid tribute to him on Monday. "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dustin Diamond, a true comedic genius," Gosselaar wrote on Twitter. "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." Mario Lopez, who played AC Slater on Bell, added: "Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted."

Actor Dustin Diamond dies at 44, weeks after cancer diagnosis

Actor Dustin Diamond, former ‘Saved by the Bell’ star has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It was confirmed that the actor&nbsp;has completed his first round of chemotherapy.&nbsp;He will begin receiving physical therapy shortly.&nbsp;

Dustin Diamond’s personal appearance booking manager issued a statement to The Hollywood Reporter last week: "At this time we can confirm that Dustin does have cancer. Dustin will disclose more information once it is available and a plan moving forward is made. We ask everyone to respect Dustin’s privacy during this difficult time. All positivity and prayers are appreciated."

The actor was hospitalized in Florida after experiencing widespread pain in his body. At that time, a statement on his official Facebook page read, "Dustin is indeed going through some medical testing currently. We will release more information as it becomes available and appreciate all positive thoughts and prayers. This will be your only place to get the official news on Dustin."

Dustin Diamond is best known for his role as Screech in the teen sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell’.&nbsp;

Actor Dustin Diamond, former ‘Saved by the Bell’ star has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It was confirmed that the actor has completed his first round of chemotherapy.

Actor Dustin Diamond, former ‘Saved by the Bell’ star has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It was confirmed that the actor has completed his first round of chemotherapy. He will begin receiving physical therapy shortly. Dustin Diamond’s personal appearance booking manager issued a statement to The Hollywood Reporter last week: "At this time we can confirm that Dustin does have cancer. Dustin will disclose more information once it is available and a plan moving forward is made. We ask everyone to respect Dustin’s privacy during this difficult time. All positivity and prayers are appreciated." The actor was hospitalized in Florida after experiencing widespread pain in his body. At that time, a statement on his official Facebook page read, "Dustin is indeed going through some medical testing currently. We will release more information as it becomes available and appreciate all positive thoughts and prayers. This will be your only place to get the official news on Dustin." Dustin Diamond is best known for his role as Screech in the teen sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell’.

Former 'Saved by the Bell' actor Dustin Diamond diagnosed with stage 4 cancer

Social media users are sharing a screenshot of an article that appears to report that Saved by the Bell actor Dustin Diamond was killed in prison. Diamond is not dead. The shared article is meant to be satirical.

Some people appeared to believe the report might be accurate.&nbsp;

The article in question, headlined “Saved By The Bell’s, Dustin “Screech” Diamond Killed In Prison Riot At Age 43”, appeared on the website Ringsssss. &nbsp;

In its ‘About Us’ section &nbsp;ringsssss.com/about-us/ &nbsp;, Ringsssss describes itself as a “fabricated satirical newspaper and comedy website” that uses fictional names in its stories “except in cases when public figures are being satirized.”&nbsp;

The death of a public figure like this would have gathered significant attention and would have been reported by news organizations. Aside from the satirical article, Reuters found no other report.

Diamond played socially awkward but brainy student Samuel “Screech” Powers, memorable for his dark and wiry hair, on the NBC sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” which ran from 1989 to 1993.

In December 2015, Diamond was convicted of carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct. He began serving a four-month jail sentence in the Ozaukee County Jail, Wisconsin on Jan. 15, 2016 and was released a month early in April &nbsp;here &nbsp;. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Diamond returned to the Wisconsin jail on May 25, 2016 for a probation violation.&nbsp;The Hollywood Reporter said he stayed there for two days.

VERDICT

Satire. The article saying actor Dustin Diamond is dead was meant to be satirical.

Social media users are sharing a screenshot of an article that appears to report that Saved by the Bell actor Dustin Diamond was killed in prison. Diamond is not dead.

Social media users are sharing a screenshot of an article that appears to report that Saved by the Bell actor Dustin Diamond was killed in prison. Diamond is not dead. The shared article is meant to be satirical. Some people appeared to believe the report might be accurate. The article in question, headlined “Saved By The Bell’s, Dustin “Screech” Diamond Killed In Prison Riot At Age 43”, appeared on the website Ringsssss. In its ‘About Us’ section ringsssss.com/about-us/ , Ringsssss describes itself as a “fabricated satirical newspaper and comedy website” that uses fictional names in its stories “except in cases when public figures are being satirized.” The death of a public figure like this would have gathered significant attention and would have been reported by news organizations. Aside from the satirical article, Reuters found no other report. Diamond played socially awkward but brainy student Samuel “Screech” Powers, memorable for his dark and wiry hair, on the NBC sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” which ran from 1989 to 1993. In December 2015, Diamond was convicted of carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct. He began serving a four-month jail sentence in the Ozaukee County Jail, Wisconsin on Jan. 15, 2016 and was released a month early in April here . Diamond returned to the Wisconsin jail on May 25, 2016 for a probation violation. The Hollywood Reporter said he stayed there for two days. VERDICT Satire. The article saying actor Dustin Diamond is dead was meant to be satirical.

Fact check:  Actor Dustin Diamond is not dead, claim stems from satire

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Actor Dustin Diamond dies at 44, weeks after cancer diagnosis

Former 'Saved by the Bell' actor Dustin Diamond diagnosed with stage 4 cancer

Fact check: Actor Dustin Diamond is not dead, claim stems from satire

Fact check:  Actor Dustin Diamond is not dead, claim stems from satire