'Beverly Hills 90210' Actor Joe E. Tata Dead at 86 After Alzheimer's Battle: 'He Was a Leading Force'

Mar. 15, 2025

Joe E. Tata, the actor best known for playing Peach Pit diner owner Nat Bussichio onBeverly Hills, 90210has died. He was 86.

Tata’s daughter Kelly confirmed the news on theGoFundMe pageshe 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.”

Joe E. Tata on Beverly Hills, 90210.Courtesy Everett Collection

Former90210costarIan Zieringposted about Tata’s deathInstagramearlier 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 their90210family.

“In the last few months we’ve lost Jessica Klein, one of90210’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.

“Joey was truly an OG,” Ziering continued. “I remember seeing him on theRockford Fileswith James Garner years before we worked together on90210. He was often one of the background villains in the original Batman series.”

Joe E. Tata on Beverly Hills, 90210.Aaron Spelling Prods

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 that90210was.”

“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 🙏”

As fans know, Tata portrayed Nat Bussichio onBeverly Hills, 90210for its entire run from 1990 until 2000. He later reprised his role in the 2008 CW spin-off90210.

The Bronx-born actor was also known for his roles in the 1966 television series,BatmanandThe Time Tunnel, according tohis IMDb page. His other credits included playing Private Neddick onNo Time for Sergeantsfrom 1964–1965) and the 1970s detective drama seriesThe Rockford Files.

His final television credit came in 2014 when he played Principal Frost in ABC Family’sMystery 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.”

source: people.com