Joe E Tata, who played Nat Bussichio in the 1990s teen drama “Beverly Hills, 90210,” died at 66 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 85.
On Thursday, Tata’s daughter Kelly posted the news that her father had “passed away peacefully last night, August 24, 2022,” on a GoFundMe page in his honor. Kelly says she made the page in October 2021 to aid her father with his Alzheimer’s illness diagnosis in 2018.
According to a post-Kelly made on Thursday, her father and she is “forever thankful” for the support of their loved ones and followers. I ask that you continue to remember us in your prayers as I mourn the death of my dearest companion.
Kelly has announced that the Alzheimer’s Association would get the remainder of the proceeds from the event’s fundraising efforts. The company confirmed the legitimacy of Kelly’s GoFundMe page.
A spokesperson from Tata has been contacted by USA TODAY for comment.
Ian Ziering, who portrayed Steve Sanders alongside Tata, said on Instagram that the actor had passed away. Ziering lamented, “In the last several months, we’ve lost Jessica Klein, one of 90210’s prolific writers and producers, and Denise Douse, who portrayed Mrs. Teasley, and now I’m unfortunate to learn Joe E Tata has died away.”
‘Heartbreaking’: ‘90210’ star Denise Dowse passes away at 64 after a grueling fight with illness.
Joey was an OG, Ziering said. He was one of my most positive coworkers; he shared his knowledge and compassion freely. The peach pit was only a set from the 90210 series, but it frequently looked and felt like it belonged in the Joe E Tata program. We all remember how enthralled we were by his tales of bygone days, filled with great encounters in the entertainment world.
Although he was often seen in the background, he significantly influenced the rest of the cast, particularly the male audience, in understanding what a wonderful gift 90210 was. Today my happiness has faded, but when I think of him, I can transport him from my mind’s eye to my heart, where he will remain forever.
The cast of “Beverly Hills, 90210” continues to honor Tata.
Tata was also remembered by Jason Priestley, whose character on “90210” was named Brandon Walsh.
View this post on Instagram
Priestley lamented the loss of his “close friend and TV boss Joe E Tata” in an Instagram post. In the same way that Nat Busiccio was an integral part of the Beverly Hills, 90210 universes, Joey was an integral part of my life. Joe, you’re at peace now. Never again will such a thing occur?”
Ziering’s co-stars, Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling, also announced it on the Instagram account for their 90210 MG podcast.
Joe E Tata, R.I.P., was the caption on the image. We will always hold Nat dear in our hearts, and our thoughts go out to his friends and family at this time of significant loss.
In the wake of her diagnosis of cervical cancer at age 49, ‘Another World’ actress Robyn Griggs has passed away.
Tata’s passing was “another big loss for our family today,” as Kelly Taylor’s “90210” co-star Jennie Garth said on Instagram.
Garth said her “heart was sad,” but she remembered Tata’s “smile and mischievously loving laugh” with fondness.
Garth said, “I feel like there’s a reunion party at the Peach Pit in paradise, and it comforts me to know that someday there will be a seat there surrounded by my good friends. Many, many hugs to everyone who cared for Joey.
This past Thursday, Brian Austin Green also paid respect to Tata by posting a video of himself hugging Tata at a recent event.
Joe E Tata – Death Cause!
A buddy of mine emailed me this video from the BAG pod live event we did at Torrance high school a few years back, commented Green, who portrayed David Silver on the program. Joey was loved like a brother and will be remembered with much affection.
Tori Spelling, who became widely known because of her role as Donna Martin on “90210,” sent several images of herself to Tata and the rest of the group.
When asked to describe him, she said, “one of the nicest, funniest, most professional, fantastic individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and, more importantly, becoming friends with in my whole life.”
Kim Kardashian Dating Pete Davidson? Take a Look at the Evolution of Their Love Story!
She said, “I never saw him without a wide smile on his face.” Joey’s wit was one of a kind, and his timing was impeccable. We were in fits of laughter during his performance. His efforts compressed the length of his workdays. He was the consummate expert. I enjoyed hearing his fantastic tales immensely.
According to Spelling, Tata was a “natural and excellent storyteller,” who said listening to him “reminded me of my Dad.”
There was a striking similarity between them. It’s fitting that two of my closest male friends and family members were the ones to usher me down the aisle.
My real-life father was the best man at my first wedding, and Joey “Nat” Davidson was the best man in my 90210 fan fiction. And, as Spelling reflected happily, “I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
Thank God Joe E Tata can rest in peace at last. Grab a beer with my dad, Joey. Xo,” she signed off.
In the 1960 crime thriller “Peter Gunn,” Tata made his television debut as Arthur Curtis. Subsequently, he guest-starred in series like “Batman,” “The Rockford Files,” “Lost in Space,” and “General Hospital.”
In 2008, Tata appeared in three episodes of the CW revival of “90210,” starring Shenae Grimes-Beech, Tristan Mack Wilds, and AnnaLynne McCord. Tata reprised the character of Nat Bussichio from the original series.
Joe E Tata hasn’t been seen on TV since 2014, when he guest starred in the ABC Family drama “Mystery Girls,” starring Garth and Spelling.
After a long and productive career, actor Leon Vitali, best known for his role in the film “Barry Lyndon,” passed away at 74.