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| Dustin Diamond 'Takes Five' A self-love that dare not Screech its name JS Online July 22, 2004 While some of his "Saved by the Bell" co-stars have moved slowly into the syndicated abyss, Dustin Diamond, who played the geeky Screech, has been touring the stand-up comedy circuit and selling instructional chess videos. Even though his middle name is Neil, he's not related to the singer, nor is he related to the Beastie Boys' Mike D. A California native, Diamond, 27, moved to Milwaukee's east side three years ago and now considers himself a Wisconsinite. Diamond spoke in advance of his comedy gig at 8 p.m. Sunday at the Modjeska Theatre, 1134 W. Mitchell St., with Journal Sentinel reporter Reid J. Epstein. (01) Question: You were born and raised in California and lived there when "Saved by the Bell" was taping. What prompted you to move to Wisconsin? Answer: I met a girl out here, and my band had recorded out here, so I ended up moving. It's not very exciting. (02) Question: Do you find that when you're out in Milwaukee people recognize you? Answer: Oh, absolutely. Like Kid Rock is representing Detroit, I'm now representing Wisconsin. (03) Question: How would Bayside High be different if it were set in Milwaukee? Answer:I have no idea. You'd have to ask the original writers. I don't think it would be too much different. The way they set up the show, everybody was from a different clique, but unbelievably they were all friends. They were supposed to kind of generally resemble your average person, but, of course, larger than life. (04) Question: How do you explain the lack of professional success had by your "Saved by the Bell" co-stars since they left the show? Answer: I think because we did the show so long, we've been typecast, and typecasting is a very powerful thing. It's wrong, but it does exist. Unlike me, they don't have anything to fall back on. I'm now a full-fledged professional comedian. If they don't act, there's nothing they can do. (05) Question: I read that you once tried to date Tori Spelling. How did that turn out? Answer: No, I think that got mixed up. I actually tried to set her up with Mark-Paul (Gosselaar, who played Zach Morris on the show). That was when she made her cameo on the show. But Mark-Paul wasn't interested. |
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