Joe E. Tata of Beverly Hills 90210 Has Passed at 85

Joe E. Tata, known for playing Nat, the kindly owner of the Peach Pit on Beverly Hills 90210, has died. He was 85.

 
Joe  E Tata was an American television actor. Best known for his role as Nat Bussichio, in the 90’s teen drama Beverly Hills 90210 (1990-2000). He would later reprise the beloved role in the spin-off 90210 (2008-2013).
 
The official cause of death is not known. But Tata had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018. His daughter Kelly Tata shared the news Thursday in a statement on a GoFundMe page she had started earlier this year in relation to her father’s care:
 
I’m devastated to report that my father Joe E. Tata passed away peacefully on August 24, 2022.
 
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.
 
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.
Cast members of the popular teen drama took to social media to pay tribute to their former costar.
 
Today we lost my dear friend and TV boss Joe E Tata. Nat Busiccio was a huge part of Beverly Hills 90210 and Joey was a huge part of my life. Rest In Peace Joe. There will never be another.
 
 
Jason Priestley

We lost our family and good friend Joe E. Tata šŸ’”ā€¦

One of the kindest, funniest, most professional, amazing humans Iā€™ve ever had the pleasure of working with and more importantly being friends with in my entire life. I never saw him without a big smile on his face. His humor was uniquely Joey and his delivery was always spot on. He kept us in stitches. He made long work days seem short. He was the ultimate professional. Loved listening to the amazing stories he would tell. Talk about insight into old Hollywood! He knew everyone and was friends with everyone. Never met anyone who didnā€™t ā¤ļø Joey!

 
Tori Spelling
Another great loss for our family today šŸ’”
I have a very sad heart but will always remember that smile and mischievously loving laugh. I feel like thereā€™s a reunion party going on at the Peach Pit in heaven and I find comfort knowing that there will be a seat there for me someday surrounded by my dear friendsšŸ™šŸ»
Sending hugs to all that loved Joey today.
Loss is so hardā€¦ šŸ˜“
#beverlyhills90210
 
Jennie Garth
Joey was a family member for sure and he will be missed but so fondly remembered ā¤ļø
 
Brian Austin Green

Joey was truly an OG, 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 Iā€™ve ever worked with, he was as generous with his wisdom as he was with his kindness. 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. He may have been in the back of many scenes, but 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. My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends, and everyone else he was dear too. Rest In peace Joey šŸ™

Ian Ziering

While Tata is most remembered for his role as Nat, the beloved owner and operator of the Peach Pit diner on Beverly Hills 90210. He also had quite the career over the years. Getting his start on the series Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.  He later went on to work on  a number of other popular series including:  Hogan’s Heroes,  Batman, Lost In Space, Mission Impossible, The Rockford Files, Wonder Woman, The A-Team, Hillstreet Blues, General Hospital, Magnum P.I, and Charmed… to name a few.
 
 
All of us at Fandom Spotlite send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Joe E Tata.

About Jaz Bielby

Jaz Bielby formerly was the Wizard World Social Media Coordinator and is currently a member of the Vancouver Master Chorale. Her skills at singing and advanced knowledge of musicals are the reason sheā€™s called, ā€œFandom Spotlight's Musical Expert.ā€ She is looking forward to her upcoming trip to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall with her current choir. A nerd since birth, a few of her favorite fandoms include the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, The Walking Dead, and True Crime. You can look forward to her future series here where she combines nerdiness and cooking!

View all posts by Jaz Bielby

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