Mario Lopez, who is best known for his role as “army-brat” A.C. Slater in the 90s TV series Saved by the Bell, recently shared that he was working on a comeback project with co-star Dustin Diamond. Sadly, the plan was unrealizable as Dustin died in February 2021 following a short battle with lung cancer.

Unlike Diamond Dustin‘s controversial relationship with the rest of the cast of Saved by the Bell, he and Lopez had a good relationship off-screen. Lopez shared that he was eager to work with the late star again many years after the ’90s series ended. 

Dustin Diamond died after a short battle with cancer, but was planning a big TV comeback

The actor was diagnosed with a malignant form of lung cancer and died barely three weeks after his diagnosis. His publicist revealed that the cancer gave him a sharp and swift execution, but they were grateful because he didn’t have to suffer so much pain. Lopez was one of the first people to react to the news of Dustin’s death on social media. “Dustin, you will be missed, my man,” he wrote. “The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted.” 

Although Dustin did not star in the first season of the show’s reprise, Lopez hoped that he would return for Season 2. Now, Lopez wants to push for a tribute for the late star as he claimed that he “would love a whole episode dedicated to some of his most iconic moments.” Aside from playing Screech, Dustin also appeared on reality TV series, including Celebrity Fit Club, Celebrity Boxing 2, and Season 12 of Celebrity Big Brother.

Dustin Diamond had a rough life

Dustin was not well-received in the movie industry, especially since he released his controversial memoir, Behind the Bell, which exposed unpleasant stories about his co-actors. 

He also spent time in prison after he was arrested in 2015 for carrying a concealed weapon, disorderly conduct with a concealed weapon, and stabbing someone with the weapon during a fight on Christmas day at a bar.