Dustin Diamond, beloved for his role as Screech Powers on “Saved by the Bell,” was never legally married when he died on February 1, 2021, at age 44. Despite public statements suggesting otherwise, his death certificate confirmed he remained unmarried throughout his life. This revelation surprised many fans who believed the actor had married his long-time partner Jennifer Misner.
The question “Was Dustin Diamond married?” continues to be searched by thousands seeking clarity about the personal life of the actor who brought laughter to millions. This article explores Dustin Diamond’s relationships, his tragic battle with cancer, and the legacy he left behind.
Dustin Diamond and Jennifer Misner: Never Legally Married
Years Together Without Legal Marriage
Dustin Diamond and Jennifer Misner shared a long-term relationship spanning several years. While Diamond publicly claimed they were married, official records tell a different story. According to his death certificate and a close friend present when Diamond passed away, the couple was never legally married despite their committed relationship.
The confusion surrounding their marital status likely stemmed from Diamond’s own statements. Many celebrities refer to long-term partners as spouses even without legal marriage, which may explain the discrepancy between public perception and legal reality.
Who Is Jennifer Misner?
Jennifer Misner built a successful career in hospitality, working in sales and marketing for a hotel company near Altoona, Pennsylvania. Her LinkedIn profile shows she served as Director of Sales and Marketing for Holiday Inn Express in Hollidaysburg for over a decade, demonstrating professional independence away from the entertainment industry spotlight.
The Tragic Miscarriage
In 2004, Jennifer Misner became pregnant during her relationship with Dustin Diamond. Tragically, she suffered a miscarriage due to an ectopic pregnancy—when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. This devastating loss deeply affected both Diamond and Misner, creating profound emotional trauma that can impact relationships for years.
Separation Before His Death
By the time Dustin Diamond was diagnosed with cancer in January 2021, he and Jennifer Misner had already separated. The couple had ended their relationship before his tragic diagnosis, though specific details remain private.
Dustin Diamond’s Engagement to Amanda Schutz
Before his relationship with Jennifer Misner, Dustin Diamond was engaged to Amanda Schutz. The couple became engaged in 2014 but split the following year in 2015.
Amanda Schutz was a professional clown and business owner who operated an entertainment company for children’s parties. Her clown persona was “Loli Pop,” specializing in interactive entertainment, face painting, and balloon twisting. The couple bonded over their shared love of comedy—Diamond’s career as a comedic actor and Schutz’s work as a professional clown created common ground. However, despite their engagement, the relationship ultimately didn’t last.
Did Dustin Diamond Have Children?
No—Dustin Diamond did not have any children when he died. Despite Jennifer Misner’s pregnancy in 2004, the tragic miscarriage meant Diamond never became a father. There are no records or reports of Diamond having children from any other relationships throughout his life.
Dustin Diamond’s Battle with Stage 4 Cancer
Rapid Diagnosis and Tragic Decline
In December 2020, Dustin Diamond appeared at public signings, seemingly healthy. However, by mid-January 2021, he was undergoing medical testing due to concerning symptoms. On January 14, 2021, his team confirmed on Facebook that Diamond had cancer.
The announcement stated: “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.”
Stage 4 Small Cell Carcinoma
Further testing revealed devastating news: Diamond had stage 4 small cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of lung cancer. This cancer type spreads rapidly throughout the body, often before symptoms become apparent.
Roger Paul, Diamond’s manager, told NBC News that his “condition had greatly declined since last week, and he was taken off of breathing machines in an attempt to get him to hospice care.” Paul confirmed that “there were two people very close to him by his side when he passed away.”
Death After Just Three Weeks
Dustin Diamond died on Monday, February 1, 2021, just three weeks after his cancer diagnosis. A tribute on his Facebook page provided comfort to grieving fans: “Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful.”
The tribute continued: “He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution.”
Dustin Diamond’s Legacy as Screech Powers
Thirteen Years on Saved by the Bell
Dustin Diamond’s name became synonymous with Samuel “Screech” Powers, the character he portrayed for thirteen years across multiple iterations of “Saved by the Bell.” He appeared in Good Morning, Miss Bliss, Saved by the Bell, Saved by the Bell: The College Years, and Saved by the Bell: The New Class. This extended run made Diamond one of the only actors to appear throughout the entire franchise.
Beyond Saved by the Bell
After “Saved by the Bell,” Diamond diversified his career through reality television and film cameos. He appeared on Celebrity Fit Club Season 5, The Weakest Link, Celebrity Boxing 2, and Celebrity Big Brother Season 12. He also made cameo appearances in films including Made (2001), Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003), and American Pie Presents: The Book of Love (2009).
Tributes from Co-Stars
Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater alongside Diamond on “Saved by the Bell,” shared heartfelt condolences on Instagram shortly after Diamond’s death: “Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on…”
Diamond’s representatives issued a statement requesting privacy: “We please ask that you give room for privacy to our team and Mr. Diamond’s family during this tragic time, as we grieve and remember the memories spent together. This loss is as much stinging as it is sudden.”
Understanding His Cancer
Stage 4 small cell carcinoma, the cancer that claimed Dustin Diamond’s life, is one of the most aggressive lung cancer forms. It accounts for approximately 10-15% of all lung cancer cases and is characterized by rapid growth, high likelihood of spreading to other organs, and limited treatment options once it reaches stage 4. Diamond’s three-week journey from diagnosis to death illustrates the brutal nature of this disease.
Conclusion: Remembering Dustin Diamond
Dustin Diamond was never married and had no children when he died at age 44 on February 1, 2021. Despite long-term relationships with Jennifer Misner and a brief engagement to Amanda Schutz, Diamond remained legally single throughout his life. The tragic miscarriage of Misner’s pregnancy in 2004 meant he never experienced fatherhood.
His sudden death from stage 4 small cell carcinoma shocked the entertainment world and devastated fans who grew up watching him as Screech Powers. While his personal life included both joy and heartbreak, his professional legacy as one of television’s most memorable comedic characters remains secure. Dustin Diamond’s story serves as a reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing the time we have.
