Actor Joe. E. Tata, best known for playing “Peach Pit” owner Nat Busschio on the television show Beverly Hills 90210, has died at the age of 85 after battling Alzheimer’s disease.
His daughter confirmed the news on a GoFundMe page set up so she could be with him.
“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,” Kelly Katherine Tata wrote.
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Joe E. Tata’s fellow 90210 cast members took to social media in tribute.
“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 wrote.
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. https://t.co/HDPEXsL6Ui
— Jason Priestley (@Jason_Priestley) August 25, 2022
“Another great loss for our family today. I have a very sad heart but will always remember that smile and mischievously loving laugh. I feel like there’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 friends. Sending hugs to all that loved Joey today. Loss is so hard,” Jennie Garth wrote.
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“In the last few months we’ve lost Jessica Klein one of 90210’s most prolific writers and producers, Denise Douse who played Mrs. Teasley, and now I’m very sad to say Joe E Tata has passed away. 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 I’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,” Ian Ziering wrote.
“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,” Ziering continued. “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.”
Tata, who starred on the hit teenage drama from 1990-2000, also had roles on Lost in Space, The Rockford Files, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., and Batman.
