In Memory of Dustin Diamond, Let's Revisit Some of Screech's Best 'Saved by the Bell' Moments

From Esquire

On Monday, Dustin Diamond of Saved by the Bell fame died at the age of 44 following a three-week battle with cancer. Diamond was hospitalized last month and his team announced that the actor was battling carcinoma, a specific kind of cancer that attacks the skin surrounding organs. In a statement, Diamond's spokesperson, Roger Paul, said, "Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful."

In recent years, Diamond had become a regular subject of controversy. In his time after exiting Saved by the Bell, he released a sex tape entitled Screeched—Saved by the Smell and a tell-all memoir that was heavily disputed by crew and cast of Saved by the Bell. It was used as the basis for the Lifetime film, The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story. Most recently, Diamond made headlines for a bar fight where he allegedly pulled a knife. He was sentenced to four months in prison for possession of a concealed weapon, as well as disorderly conduct.

But of all his television appearances, Diamond was best known for his role as Screech Powers on Saved by the Bell. He first played Screech in the series Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which later evolved into Saved by the Bell. He remained in the role after the series ended, first in Saved by the Bell: The College Years and then again in Saved by the Bell: The New Class, which ran until 2000. Throughout his run, Screech had his share of iconic moments that defined the NBC series. Here's a few, in memory of Diamond.

The Sprain

Any fan of Bell knows the episode where Casey Kasem stopped by The Max to host Bayside's dance-a-thon. Of course, Lisa Turtle (Screech's unrequited love interest) had sprained her ankle and seemed all but down for the count until Screech came to her rescue. Together, the two invented the dance craze that hypothetically could have swept the nation—the Sprain.

Screech vs Zack

Speaking of Screech's love interest, Screech's hunkier best friend, Zack, made big moves on his crush, Lisa. Once Screech found out that they shared a kiss, he not only threw Zack under the bus at the fashion show (naturally held at The Max), but then fully tried to fight him in the hallway.

The Chess Episode

Moving on from his devastating Lisa-blow, Screech becomes a chess playing superstar who develops a thing for smart girl, Violet. She gives him a lucky beret, which should be enough because Screech is already smart. But then his friend Zack kidnaps a kid and then puts a stand-in in his place to ensure Screech will win. It's absolutely insane.

Screech in Love

Looking at this list, it kind of seems like the concept of Screech being in love might have just been a running joke throughout the entire series. In Season 1, Screech falls in love with a girl named Bambi, who is actually just Zack using his falsetto voice. He won't unlock himself until Bambi comes to his rescue... which ends up happening... even if it's just Zack in drag.

Barbara Ann

The ode to Risky Business is one of the most famous scenes in Saved by the Bell. The video speaks for itself. Also, RIP Screech's mom's Elvis statuette.

The Beauty Pageant

When Jessie protests the Miss Bayside pageant, Zack enters Screech, certain he can get anyone the crown if he wants. When Slater joins the pageant too, Zack convinces Screech to fake injuries so he can win the competition.

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