Dustin Diamond, American actor and comedian (died 2021)

Dustin Neil Diamond (January 7, 1977 – February 1, 2021) was an American actor, best known for portraying Samuel “Screech” Powers across the Saved by the Bell franchise, from its origins in Good Morning, Miss Bliss (1988–89) through Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1994–2000). Born in San Jose, California, he began acting as a child and earned widespread recognition for his nerdy, affably awkward character. After the series ended, Diamond performed stand‑up, appeared on reality TV, acted in films, released a controversial sex‑tape project, and authored a memoir Behind the Bell, which sparked debate among former cast members. In January 2021 he was diagnosed with stage 4 small‑cell lung carcinoma and died three weeks later in Cape Coral, Florida, aged 44.

January 7 is the seventh day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 358 days remain until the end of the year.