A writer and producer with Pittsburgh roots shared memories of actor Dustin Diamond, as several former "Saved by the Bell” co-stars posted tributes to actor after the news of his death. Diamond died Monday after a three-week fight with carcinoma, according to his representative. He was 44. "Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful,” the actor’s spokesman, Roger Paul, said in a statement. Diamond was best know for his role as Samuel "Screech” Powers in the 1990s sitcom "Saved by the Bell.” He played the character for 13 years beginning with the show "Good Morning, Miss Bliss” in 1988 as well later spin-offs "Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and "Saved by the Bell: The College Years.” Carl Kurlander, a senior lecturer in film and media studies at the University of Pittsburgh, was a writer and producer on "Saved by the Bell” and the spin-off "The New Class.” Talking about Diamond on Tuesday, he recalled that when he first interviewed for a job with the show, he saw Diamond walking around the set and "didn’t know whether Dustin was in character as Screech or if it was Dustin.” As someone who "identified as a nerd [growing up] in Pittsburgh,” Kurlander said, "I always identified with Dustin’s character.” Kurlander said whenever the show was struggling to get a laugh, executive producer Peter Engel would say, "More Screech” and "Screech is gold.” The show’s longevity and popularity can be attributed to its positive message for young people, said Kurlander. " ‘Saved by the Bell’ had a heart. That’s why Dustin’s work will live on. The magic of the original cast was that Zack, the popular character, and Screech, the nerd, were friends.” Other castmates from the show shared tributes on social media. "Dustin, you will be missed my man,” Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater, tweeted. "The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on …” Lopez opened up about the death of his friend during the Monday episode of "Access Hollywood,” hours after news broke that the actor had lost his battle with cancer. "He was like a little brother to me. We always remained in contact over the years, and I actually just spoke with him a couple of weeks ago after he got his diagnosis. Even then, he was full of energy, and he was optimistic,” Mario shared in segment. Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, wrote on Instagram, "I am deeply saddened by the news of my old co-star @realdustindiamond passing. Life is extremely fragile and it’s something we should never take for granted. God speed Dustin.” Elizabeth Berkley, who played Jessica Spano, wrote "I’m grateful to have gotten to create with Dustin when we were at the beginning of our dreams coming true.” Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who played Zack Morris, said he was saddened by the news and remembered Diamond as "a true comedic genius.” Tori Spelling, who portrayed Screech’s girlfriend Violet Anne Bickerstaff, posted, "My 1st onscreen love Dustin Diamond got his Angel wings today…” Two weeks ago when news of Diamond’s fight with cancer was public, Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Marie Turtle, shared "Dustin, all the many in your close circle who know you to be the great person that you are, are truly pulling for you and praying for the best outcome.” "Saved by the Bell” aired from 1989 to 1993, and its spinoffs included "Saved by the Bell: The College Years” and "Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” which Diamond starred in. A sequel was launched on Peacock last fall featuring many from the original cast, including Berkley, Lopez, Thiessen and Gosselaar. Diamond was not included. He starred in a handful of reality television series including the fifth season of "Celebrity Fit Club,” "The Weakest Link” and "Celebrity Boxing 2.” In December 2013, Diamond appeared on an episode of OWN’s "Where Are They Now?” and became a house member in the 12th season of "Celebrity Big Brother.” Associated Press contributed. Frank Carnevale is a Tribune-Review assistant digital content editor. You can contact Frank at 412-380-8511, fcarnevale@triblive.com or via Twitter .