Defeated Facts About Dustin Diamond, The Doomed "Saved By The Bell" Star
Best known for his iconic role as Screech on Saved by the Bell, Dustin Diamond's life was a rollercoaster ride of fame, controversy, and tragedy.
1. He Had Unassuming Origins
Dustin Diamond was born in 1977 to a family that had professional backgrounds in the world of technology. His father taught digital electronics and his mother was a computer operator—however, Diamond never followed in his parents' footsteps. He was destined for child stardom. But little did he know, the world of celebrity was a dangerous place.
2. He Was A Child Star
When he was only 11, Diamond began his acting career. He played the iconic role called Samuel “Screech” Powers in the beloved television series Saved by the Bell. He played the same character all throughout his childhood and teenage years, gaining critical acclaim and turning himself into a household name.
But behind the scenes, the people he trusted the most betrayed him in the worst way.
3. His Parents Betrayed Him
Child actors have the potential to make millions—but this was not the case with Diamond. According to the star, his family did a horrendous of managing his finances, particularly his Saved by the Bell income. In a later interview, he went even further, exposing just how deep this betrayal went.
4. He Had No Money
Apparently, Diamond's parents hadn't diligently saved his money for him—oh no, instead, they spent most of it before he could even get his hands on it. He said, "It's a shame. My parents wasted so much of my hard work. A lot of my youth". As we'll see, this had a devastating impact on the actor's future. But at the time?
He was blissfully unaware of the storms ahead.
NBC Studios, Saved by the Bell: The College Years (1993-1994)