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ACTOR, CELEBRITY CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING CAST MEMBER DUSTIN DIAMOND DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER

Actor Dustin Diamond, best known for his time as Screech on numerous Saved By The Bell series and TV movies, has been diagnosed with cancer, his representatives announced today.  He had been hospitalized several days ago in Florida.

An official statement reads, "At this time we can confirm that Dustin does have cancer. Dustin will disclose more information once it is available and a plan moving forward is made.  We ask everyone to respect Dustin’s privacy during this difficult time. All positivity and prayers are appreciated."

Diamond, 44, is a lifelong professional wrestling fan and has made several pro wrestling-related appearances over the years, including a "boxing match" on an early NWA:TNA PPV in Nashville, TN:

Diamond also made appearances for Memphis Championship Wrestling on their weekly TV, where he was infatuated with The Kat, Stacy Carter in May and June 2000.    After attempting to ask her out over several weeks, she lets him down gently but Diamond turns heel and chased her around the set leading to MCW Wrestlers Chip Diver, The Fabulous Rocker, and Dannie B. coming out to restrain him.  Diamond, who was holding a box of candy, hit Diver with it, leading to all three wrestlers stomping him and Diamond doing a stretcher job off TV.

Diamond was also a cast member of CMT's reality series Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling in 2008, where he and other celebs were trained by the likes of Brian Knobbs, Tom Howard and Brutus Beefcake before taking part in weekly matches and judged by Jimmy Hart, Hogan and Eric Bischoff.  Diamond survived all the way to the last episode of the competition, which was won by Dennis Rodman.

Diamond has also made independent wrestling appearances for Chicago's AAW and NYC's FTW promotions, among others.  He last appeared at a pro wrestling event as a performer in 2012.

PWInsider.com sends our best to Diamond and his family.

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