Lark Voorhies Only ‘Saved by the Bell’ Castmate to Reach Out to Dustin Diamond Before His Death, Friend Says

Key facts

• Dustin Diamond died at age 44 on February 1, 2021, after a battle with lung cancer.
• Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle, was the only cast member to contact Diamond in his final days.
• Diamond’s final residual check from ‘Saved by the Bell’ was $12.74.
• A friend of Diamond stated that Voorhies’s outreach was the only one he received from the cast.
• Voorhies gave a rare television interview discussing Diamond’s death and her own mental health diagnosis.
• Diamond had previously spoken about feeling ‘trapped’ by his character Screech.
• The residual check amount highlighted the financial struggles of former child actors.

A Solitary Gesture Amid Final Days

In the weeks before Dustin Diamond’s death, only one of his ‘Saved by the Bell’ co-stars reached out to him: Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle on the iconic sitcom. A friend of Diamond’s confirmed that Voorhies was the sole cast member to make contact during his final days, a detail that has drawn attention to the bonds—or lack thereof—among the show’s alumni. Voorhies, who has largely stayed out of the public eye, gave a rare television interview in which she discussed Diamond’s passing and her own mental health journey. The interview marked a significant departure from her usual reclusiveness, offering a glimpse into her perspective on the tragedy.

The $12.74 Residual Check: A Symbol of Faded Stardom

After Diamond’s death, a residual check from ‘Saved by the Bell’ arrived for just $12.74, a stark illustration of the financial realities facing many former child actors. The check, reported by multiple sources, underscored the disparity between the show’s enduring popularity and the modest earnings it generated for its cast decades later. Diamond had previously spoken about feeling ‘trapped’ by his character Screech, a role that defined his career but also limited his opportunities. The small residual check seemed to echo that sentiment, highlighting the long-term economic precarity that can accompany early fame.

Voorhies’s Rare Public Appearance and Mental Health Disclosure

In her television interview, Voorhies addressed Diamond’s death and revealed that she had been diagnosed with a mental health condition. The interview was one of her few public appearances in recent years, as she had largely withdrawn from Hollywood after ‘Saved by the Bell’ ended. Her decision to speak out was seen by some as an effort to destigmatize mental health issues, particularly within the entertainment industry. The interview also provided a platform for Voorhies to share her memories of Diamond and her regret that more of their co-stars had not reached out.

Diamond’s Friend Speaks Out on the Cast’s Silence

A friend of Diamond’s, who was with him in his final days, told reporters that Voorhies was the only cast member to contact him. The friend’s account painted a picture of isolation, with Diamond receiving no calls or messages from other ‘Saved by the Bell’ stars despite his terminal illness. The friend’s statement has sparked discussion about the pressures of fame and the sometimes fleeting nature of Hollywood relationships. It also raised questions about the support systems available to former child stars as they navigate adulthood and health crises.

The Legacy of ‘Saved by the Bell’ and Its Stars

‘Saved by the Bell’ remains a cultural touchstone, but its cast members have had varied post-show trajectories. While some, like Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Mario Lopez, have maintained successful careers, others, including Diamond and Voorhies, have struggled with typecasting, financial difficulties, and personal challenges. Diamond’s death at 44, after a battle with lung cancer, was a sobering reminder of the toll that early fame can take. The $12.74 residual check became a symbol of the broader issues facing child actors, from inadequate financial planning to the psychological burden of being forever associated with a single role.

What Comes Next: Questions of Accountability and Support

The revelation that only one cast member reached out to Diamond has prompted calls for greater solidarity among former co-stars and for industry-wide reforms to protect child actors. Advocacy groups have pointed to the need for financial literacy programs and mental health resources for young performers. Voorhies’s interview may also open the door for more discussions about mental health in Hollywood. As the entertainment world reflects on Diamond’s life and death, the focus is shifting to how the industry can better support its alumni long after the cameras stop rolling.

A Closing Reflection on Fame and Connection

The story of Dustin Diamond’s final days and Lark Voorhies’s solitary gesture is a poignant study in the complexities of fame. It highlights how the bonds formed on set can fray over time, and how even the most beloved shows can leave their stars financially and emotionally vulnerable. Voorhies’s outreach, though small, stood out as a reminder of the human connections that endure beyond the spotlight. As the public continues to grapple with Diamond’s legacy, the $12.74 check and the single voicemail serve as twin symbols of a life that was both celebrated and, in the end, largely forgotten by those who once shared the screen.

The bottom line

• Lark Voorhies was the only ‘Saved by the Bell’ cast member to reach out to Dustin Diamond before his death.
• Diamond’s final residual check from the show was $12.74, highlighting the financial struggles of former child actors.
• Voorhies gave a rare interview discussing Diamond’s death and her own mental health diagnosis.
• Diamond had previously expressed feeling ‘trapped’ by his Screech character, which limited his career.
• The cast’s silence has sparked debate about the support systems for former child stars.
• The incident underscores the need for better financial and mental health resources for young actors.