Joe E. Tata, the actor best known for playing Peach Pit diner owner Nat Bussichio on Beverly Hills, 90210 has died. He was 86.
Tata’s daughter Kelly confirmed the news on the GoFundMe page she launched last October to raise funds as the actor struggled with declining health.
“I am devastated to report that my father Joe E. Tata passed away peacefully last night, August 24, 2022,” she wrote. “My father and I are forever grateful for the love and support of family, friends, and fans. I’m also especially grateful to Joanna Konjevod for caring for my father in his final years and allowing me to be there to hold his hand in his final moments.”
Kelly previously shared that her father was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2018, and on Thursday’s GoFundMe update, she wrote, “The remaining funds raised from this campaign will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.”
“Please continue to keep us in your prayers as I grieve the loss of my best friend,” she requested, signing “All my Love, Kelly Katherine.”
Courtesy Everett Collection Joe E. Tata on Beverly Hills, 90210
Former 90210 costar Ian Ziering posted about Tata’s death Instagram earlier in the day on Thursday.
In a touching tribute, Ziering noted how Tata’s death came after the cast and crew recently lost two other members of their 90210 family.
“In the last few months we’ve lost Jessica Klein, one of 90210‘s most prolific writers and producers, Denise [Dowse] who played Mrs. Teasley, and now I’m very sad to say Joe E Tata has passed away,” he wrote beside two photos of Tata.
Bobby Bank/WireImage Joe E. Tata
“Joey was truly an OG,” Ziering continued. “I remember seeing him on the Rockford Files with James Garner years before we worked together on 90210. He was often one of the background villains in the original Batman series.”
“One of the happiest people I’ve ever worked with, he was as generous with his wisdom as he was with his kindness,” Ziering noted. “Though the peach pit was a 90210 set, It often felt like the backdrop to the Joe E Tata show. The stories of days gone by that he would share, incredible experiences in the entertainment industry that he was a part of would keep us all captivated.”
Aaron Spelling Prods/Courtesy Everett Collection Joe E. Tata on Beverly Hills, 90210
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Though Tata “may have been in the back of many scenes,” Ziering said “he was a leading force, especially to us guys, on how to appreciate the gift that 90210 was.”
“My smile dims today but basking in fond memories moves him from my eyes to my heart where he will always be,” he concluded. “My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends, and everyone else he was dear too. Rest In peace Joey ????”
The Instagram page for the 90210MG podcast co-hosted by Ziering’s costars Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling also paid respect to Tata on Thursday.
“R.I.P. Joe E. Tata,” read the caption. “We are heartbroken by this news…thinking of his friends and family….Nat is forever in our hearts ❤”
As fans know, Tata portrayed Nat Bussichio on Beverly Hills, 90210 for its entire run from 1990 until 2000. He later reprised his role in the 2008 CW spin-off 90210.
The Bronx-born actor was also known for his roles in the 1966 television series, Batman and The Time Tunnel, according to his IMDb page. His other credits included playing Private Neddick on No Time for Sergeants from 1964–1965) and the 1970s detective drama series The Rockford Files.
His final television credit came in 2014 when he played Principal Frost in ABC Family’s Mystery Girls.
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When Tata’s daughter launched her GoFundMe page, she encapsulated his life in this way: “Nat was a loving father figure to the kids of West Beverly High. In real life, my Dad, Joey, is honest, kind, and a truly incredible father.”
