BEVERLY HILLS, 90210, Joe E. Tata, 1990-2000
Actor Joe E. Tata, best known for playing Peach Pit diner owner Nat Bussichio on Beverly Hills, 90210 has passed at the age of 86.
Tata’s daughter Kelly confirmed the news through the GoFundMe page she launched last October to raise funds to help the actor’s declining health as he battled Alzheimer’s.
“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 first shared about her father’s Alzheimer’s Disease in 2018. 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.”
Ian Zeiring, a former 90210 costar, opened up about Tata’s passing on Instagram. He noted how Tata’s passing came after the 90210 family lost two other members of cast and crew recently. “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.
“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.”
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Olivia Di Pede
Olivia loves all things fashion, beauty, and entertainment. In her free time, she can be found taking yoga classes, reading thriller novels, and styling outfits on Instagram.