Beverly Hills, 90210 Star Joe E. Tata Dead at 85

Joe E. Tata, who played Peach Pit owner Nat Bussichio on Beverly Hills, 90210, has passed away at the age of 85. 

Tata appeared in 238 episodes of the seres over its 293-episode run, charming fans as the owner of the teens' favorite diner. His death was announced on Instagram by former co-star Ian Ziering, who penned a loving tribute to the late actor. 

“In the last few months we’ve lost Jessica Klein, one of 90210‘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," Ziering wrote. "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."

Ziering continued, "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."

Over the course of Tata's career, he appeared in episodes of Batman, The Rockford Files, Hogan's Heroes, Lost in Space, and Mission: Impossible, to name a few. 

The actor was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2014. 

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Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.