Dustin Diamond from Saved by the Bell Earned Just $12 in Royalties
A new documentary about Saved by the Bell usweekly — and Dustin Diamond — sheds light on the late child star’s financial struggles leading up to his unexpected passing.
In a recent episode of Investigation Discovery’s Hollywood Demons, which aired on Monday, May 4, Diamond’s friend Dan Block reviewed his residual checks, stating, “Here’s one for $12.74 from 2002.”
Dr. Drew Pinsky discussed Diamond’s relocation to Wisconsin following the conclusion of Saved by the Bell. Child star manager Denise Simon remarked that for many child actors, success often translates to “residuals and syndication.”
Saved by the Bell aired for four seasons from 1989 to 1993, showcasing a group of teens, portrayed by Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tiffani Thiessen, Mario Lopez, Elizabeth Berkley, Diamond, and Lark Voorhies, as they navigated high school challenges.
Following the show’s success, some cast members thrived in Hollywood, while others, including Diamond, faced significant challenges in the spotlight. The new docuseries highlights the difficult times in Diamond’s life leading up to his cancer diagnosis.
In 2021, Diamond was diagnosed with stage IV small-cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of lung cancer. Sources revealed to Us Weekly that Diamond was experiencing “a lot of pain,” and mentioned that he appreciated the well-wishes from his Saved by the Bell co-stars, saying, “It’s been nice that people have been reaching out.”
In Hollywood Demons, Block claimed that Diamond only heard from one of his Saved by the Bell teammates.
“[Lark Voorhies] was incredibly thoughtful and left a voicemail for him which we played for him before he passed. He appreciated it,” he reminisced. “[Lark] was the only one who genuinely reached out to him; they shared a strong bond.”
Before Diamond’s passing in February 2021, both Lopez and Thiessen, now 52, publicly addressed his health struggles.
“I connected with Dustin earlier this evening, and while the news of his diagnosis is heartbreaking, we remain hopeful that he’ll overcome this. Praying for him and his family,” Lopez shared on Instagram, while Thiessen expressed her thoughts for Diamond.
Gosselaar, 52, also shared a heartfelt statement following Diamond’s death.
“I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dustin Diamond, a true comedic talent. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends,” Gosselaar remarked at the time. “Reflecting on our time together, I’ll miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he could create. A pie in your face, my comrade.”
Voorhies, 52, shared her own touching tribute via Instagram, saying, “Words cannot express the sorrow I feel right now. Dustin and I had a warm and unique friendship; he was a caring gentleman, and I will always cherish my memories of him. I’m deeply sorry he is gone.”
She continued: “It’s exceedingly tragic for his close loved ones who must cope with his loss. My heart goes out to them during this difficult time.”
Hollywood Demons airs on Investigation Discovery on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET and will be available for streaming on HBO Max.
