Veteran television actor Joe E. Tata passed away on Wednesday following a long health battle. He was best known for playing the role of Nat Bussichio, the owner of the Peach Pit, on the ‘90s hit sitcom Beverly Hills, 90210. Read on to know how did Joe E. Tata die.
Tata also appeared on numerous shows including “The Rockford Files” and the original “Batman” series. Her daughter, Kelly Tata, announced the heartbreaking news of her death and remembered him as her “best friend.”
How did television actor Joe E. Tata die?
Joe E. Tata died on Wednesday, August 24, 2024, according to her daughter Kelly who announced his passing on Thursday. The celebrated actor was having a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease after being diagnosed in 2018.
“My father and I are forever grateful for the love and support of family, friends, and fans,” Kelly Tata wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to help Joe’s condition with the disease.
“Nat was a loving father figure to the kids of West Beverly High,” she added. “In real life, my Dad, Joey, is honest, kind, and a truly incredible father.”
She went on to confirm that her father “passed away peacefully last night August 24, 2024.” “Please continue to keep us in your prayers as I grieve the loss of my best friend,” she wrote to conclude the post.
What was the cause of Joe E. Tata’s death?
Kelly Tata didn’t specify the exact cause of his father, Joe E. Tata’s death. Joe was struggling with Alzheimer’s disease for the last four years. He was diagnosed with a progressive condition that destroys memory and other critical mental functions.
His old age also made the situation worst and Joe’s condition was reportedly deteriorating in the last couple of months. He, unfortunately, passed away this Wednesday and left for his heavenly abode.
He’ll meet Jessica Klein and Denise Douse up there, the other people involved with Beverly Hills, 90210, who passed away recently.
Joe E. Tata will be remembered forever as Nat Bussichio
Joe also appeared in General Hospital, Lost in Space, Batman, and eight episodes of The Rockford Files. He then went on to star in 10 seasons of Beverly Hills, 90210. Joe played Nat Bussichio, the owner of Peach Pit in the show.
He also reprised his role for three episodes on 90210, The CW Reboot, in 2008. Joe’s last TV appearance came in 2014’s ABC Family sitcom “Mystery Girls” starring his former Beverly Hill, 90210 cast members Jennie Garth and Tory Spelling.
List of Television Shows & Movies having Joe E. Tata
Here is a list of all Joe E. Tata’s appearances in TV shows and movies throughout his career:
•Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
•No Time for Sergeants
•Hogan’s Heroes
•The Time Tunnel
•Batman
•Lost in Space
•Mission: Impossible
•Which Way to the Front?
•Hickey & Boggs
•A Clock Work Blue
•The Rockford Files
•Sisters of Death
•Quincy, M.E.
•Wonder Woman
•The A-Team
•Hill Street Blues
•General Hospital
•Magnum P.I.
•Beverly Hills, 90210
•Love Is Like That
•Charmed
•90210
•Mystery Girls
Tributes Coming in for Joe E. TataEver
since the news of Joe E. Tata’s passing emerged, fans and industry stars have been paying tribute to the late actor who is remembered as a cheerful and brave man.
Tata’s co-star Ian Ziering, who played Steve Sanders, paid tribute to the gone actor on Instagram. “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,” she wrote.
“Joey was truly an OG,” she continued. “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. 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.”
Jason Priestley, who played Brandon Walsh on “90210,” also paid respect to Joe on Instagram. “Today we lost my dear friend and TV boss Joe E Tata,” she wrote. “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.”
Several other actors and thousands of fans have also posted tributes on social media platforms. Our deepest condolences go out to Joe’s family and friends. May God let him rest in peace.
