Mario Lopez Reaches Out To Dustin Diamond After Cancer Diagnosis

Dustin Diamond, who played nerdy sidekick Samuel “Screech” Powers on Saved By The Bell and several of its sequel series, has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and has already started treatment to fight it.

Mario Lopez Reaches Out To Dustin Diamond

The sad news was confirmed by the actor’s publicist to multiple outlets, who shared that the 44-year-old Diamond is currently undergoing chemo and will remain in the hospital for at least another week.

“By next week, we’ll have a much better understanding of the severity of his condition and what treatments he will need so that he’s comfortable,” the spokesperson said. “He was fading in and out, feeling sleepy and tired. On top of all this, he also has shingles, so he’s been in a lot of pain.”

Mario Lopez, who starred as AC Slater alongside Diamond on both Saved By the Bell and Saved By The Bell: The College Years, took to social media to send his best to the actor.

“I connected with Dustin earlier this evening and although the news of his diagnosis is heartbreaking, we remain positive that he’ll overcome this,” Lopez wrote on Instagram.

Lopez, who currently can be seen in the Save By the Bell reboot on the Peacock streaming service, also posted two photos of him and Diamond — one from the show and a much more recent shot of the two together.

“Praying for him & his family and for a speedy recovery. God Bless,” Lopez continued.

Diamond’s rep said as soon as there is more information and a formal diagnosis has been made, the actor will release a statement.

It was this past weekend when Diamond checked into the hospital, not knowing what was wrong, but feeling pain all over his body. Those involved were fearful it was cancer due to the fact Diamond’s mom died of breast cancer, and sadly, that turned out to be the case. Entertainment Hub joins Lopez in wishing Diamond the best on his recovery.