Last Updated on March 3, 2024
Who Is Dustin Diamond?
Dustin Neil Diamond was an American actor, stand-up comedian, director, reality television personality, and musician.
Diamond was best known for his portrayal of Samuel “Screech” Powers in the critically acclaimed 1990s television show, Saved by the Bell. He also starred in the show’s spin-off series.
Besides acting, Dustin Diamond also dabbled in music. As a musician, Diamond was best known for founding an alternative metal band known as Salty The Pocketknife.
Dustin died on February 1, 2021 of stage 4 small cell carcinoma. He was 44 years old then.
Quick Facts
Full Name: | Dustin Neil Diamond |
Popular Name: | Dustin Diamond |
Gender: | Male |
Birth Date: | January 7, 1977 – February 1, 2021 |
Age: | 44 years |
Parents: | Mark Diamond and Jaimee Diamond |
Siblings: | Ryan Diamond |
Birth Place: | San Jose, California, United States (Place of Death: Cape Coral, Florida, United States) |
Nationality: | American |
Ethnicity: | Mixed (Ashkenazi Jewish, English, Irish, Scottish, German, and Cherokee Native American) |
Education: | Zion Lutheran School |
Marital Status: | Divorced; was married to Jennifer Misner (from 2009 until their separation in 2013 and eventual divorce later) |
Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
Wife/Spouse: | N/A |
Children: | None |
Dating: | N/A |
Net Worth: | As At the Time of Death: USD 300,000 |
Source of Wealth: | Acting, Comedy, Film Directing, Music, and Other Ventures |
Height: | 6′ 0″ (1.83 m) |
Weight: | 77 kg; In pounds: 170 lbs. |
Early Life
Dustin Diamond was born on January 7, 1977, in San Jose, California, United States, to Mark Diamond and Jaimee Diamond.
His father was a digital electronics teacher at a computer processing firm, whereas his mother worked as a computer operator for Pacific Bell.
Acting Career
Dustin Diamond kicked off his acting career in 1987 by portraying Young Stiles in the film The Price of Life as well as in an episode of the television series American Playhouse. He also portrayed Young Sonny in one episode of the series It’s a Living and voiced Chubby Kid in an episode of Yogi’s Great Escape.
Diamond was cast in the 1988 film, Purple People Eater. The same year, he began starring as Samuel “Screech” Powers in the television series ‘Good Morning, Miss Bliss.’ He left the series the following year.
Dustin Diamond appeared as Beach boy in the 1989 film She’s Out of Control. He was also cast in two episodes of The Wonder Years (1989 – 1990). Dustin’s biggest television project came the same year after he joined the cast of Saved by the Bell. He reprised his role as Samuel “Screech” Powers in all the series’ spin-offs. They include Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style (1992), Saved by the Bell: The College Years (1993 – 1994), Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas (1994), and Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1994 – 2000).
Dustin appeared in several television series while starring in the Saved by the Bell franchise. Notable ones include The Munsters Today (1990) and Getting By (1993).
Dustin Diamond continued with his acting success moving into the new millennium. He made a couple of major film appearances in the early 2000s. They include Longshot (2000), Made (2001), Jane White Is Sick & Twisted (2002), Big Fat Liar (2002), Pauly Shore Is Dead (2003), Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003), and Tom Goes to the Mayor (2005). He also appeared in an episode each of ‘The Rerun Show’ (2002), ‘Star Dates’ (2002), and ‘Duck Dodgers’ (2005).
In 2006, Dustin Diamond appeared in and also directed the film Screeched: Saved by the Smell. He subsequently appeared in the films Our Feature Presentation (2008), American Pie Presents: The Book of Love (2009), and Big Money Rustlas (2010).
Diamond’s other major film appearances include Tenderball: The Movie (2011), Captured Hearts (2013), College Fright Night (2013), Hamlet A.D.D. (2014), and Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell (2017).
On reality television, Dustin Diamond is most remembered for his appearance on Celebrity Boxing 2, Celebrity Fit Club, Celebrity Big Brother, and Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side.
Music Career
Dustin Diamond enjoyed moderate music success. He was best known for founding an alternative metal band called Salty The Pocketknife. He also served as the band’s bassist and songwriter. The band recorded their debut album and then split shortly after.
Death
Diamond was diagnosed with stage-4 small cell carcinoma of the lungs in early 2021. He immediately sought treatment and completed one round of chemotherapy. However, he succumbed to the illness on February 1, 2021.
Dustin Diamond’s Net Worth
As of the time of his death (February 1, 2021), Dustin Diamond had a net worth of $300,000. Diamond’s net worth was surprisingly low considering his long, successful stint in the entertainment industry. However, the ‘Saved by the Bell’ star was no stranger to financial woes.
Diamond’s financial problems first hit the headlines in 2001 when he filed for bankruptcy in California. He subsequently relocated to Port Washington, Wisconsin, in 2003. Despite landing several starring roles over the next couple of years, Dustin’s financial situation didn’t seem to improve.
On June 13, 2006, Diamond appealed to listeners of The Howard Stern Show to purchase merchandise from his website. This was part of an effort to raise $250,000 so he could salvage his house from foreclosure.
Lessons from Dustin Diamond
1. It’s never too early to start pursuing your dreams
Dustin Diamond joins the long list of legendary child actors. He owes his success in the film & television industry to his decision to start early.
2. Leave your mark
Diamond may have succumbed to cancer aged 44. But his cinematic credits will continue to dominate the screen for several years to come.
3. It’s not all about the money
Diamond was not known to be a lavish spender. At least he wasn’t the most wasteful spender in Hollywood. That he died poor only suggests he considered acting as a passion and not a money-minting enterprise.
Famous Quotes by Dustin Diamond
• I don’t expect that we’re going to become the biggest craze. If it happened, I’d be really shocked. I think people will dig it, but there will be a sea of people who just don’t get it.
• I’m left handed, but my dad taught me to play guitar right-handed.
• I’m the guy who will eat something that looks nice when I’m out, but when I take it home in a doggie bag, it’ll sit in the back of my refrigerator until it starts to move.
• Kids these days don’t know as much about music as they think they do.
• Our music, you either get it or you don’t. There’s no middle ground.
Final Word
Dustin Diamond was an accomplished actor prior to his death in early 2021. Although he died bankrupt, Diamond left his mark in the entertainment industry. He will forever be remembered as one of the most talented actors the world has ever known.