‘Saved by the Bell’ star got $12 check after fame, was ‘trapped’ as Screech before tragic death: co-star Dustin Diamond, forever known as Screech from ‘Saved by the Bell,’ felt trapped by his character and suffered from low residuals, leading to financial hardship and bankruptcy. Despite his fame, insiders claim he struggled to escape the typecast and make ends meet, with one residual check amounting to only $12.74. His life and struggles are being examined in the series ‘Hollywood Demons.’

• Dustin Diamond felt ‘trapped’ by his role as Screech on ‘Saved by the Bell,’ a character he struggled to escape.
• Insiders and co-stars reveal Diamond faced significant financial difficulties due to low residuals from the show, leading to bankruptcy.
• Despite his television fame, Diamond’s post-‘Saved by the Bell’ career was challenging, marked by typecasting and struggles to find new opportunities.
• His life, including the challenges of typecasting and financial woes, is being explored in the Investigation Discovery series ‘Hollywood Demons.’
• Diamond’s father and friends highlight the minimal financial benefit he received after expenses and agent fees, with one residual check being as low as $12.74.
• Lark Voorhies is noted as the only original cast member to reach out to Diamond during his battle with cancer.