The cast of “Beverly Hills, 90210” paying tribute to E. Tata after his death.
The 85-year-old beloved actor, best known as the owner of the Peach Pit on the long-running show, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014.
Following the recent deaths of two other co-stars, the news of their deaths was announced by former co-star Ian Ziering on Instagram.
“Over the past few months we’ve lost Jessica Klein, one of 90210’s most prolific writers and producers, Denise Duse who played Mrs. Teasley, and now I am deeply saddened to say that Joe E. has passed away,” Ziering wrote in his post.
“Joey was really an OG, I remember seeing him on ‘The Rockford Files’ with James Garner before we worked together on ‘90210.”
The pair co-starred with original series stars Shannen Doherty, Jason Priestley, Tori Spelling, Jenny Garth, Brian Austin Green, Gabrielle Carteris and the late Luke Perry.
“He was often one of the background villains in the original ‘Batman’ series,” Ziering said. “One of the happiest people I’ve worked with, he was as generous with his intelligence as he was with his kindness.”
Tata appeared in 238 episodes of “90210” from 1990 to 2000 as Nate Busicchio—the owner of the diner where high school students hang out.
He reprized his role in several productions in the show’s spinoff.
Tributes poured in after Tata’s death, with many of his “90210” classmates paying tributes on social media.
“We lost our family and good friend Joe E. Tata,” co-star Tori Spelling wrote on Instagram alongside a series of photos of the pair.
The actress, who played Donna Martin on the hit show, remembered Tata as “one of the kindest, funniest, most professional, wonderful human beings I’ve had the pleasure of working with and more importantly… That I’ve been friends with for the rest of my life.”
Of his sense of humour, Spelling said Tata’s “delivery was always spot on. He got us stitches.”
“He made the long working days shorter. He was the ultimate professional. Loved hearing the wonderful stories he told,” she said.
Elsewhere in her emotional tribute, Spelling revealed that she asked the writers to take down Tata’s character on the show.
“It means a lot to me. Personally and professionally,” she explained. “Based on our close real-life friendship and the fact that he was a fun, caring, loyal and protective male role model to me, As it should be.”
Brian Austin Green also paid tribute to the late actor, sharing a clip of the pair embracing on Instagram.
“Joey was definitely a family member and will be missed but will be missed dearly,” he wrote.
Actress Jenny Garth, who played Kelly Taylor on the show, wrote, “My heart is sad but that smile and mischievous laugh will always be remembered.”
Paying his respects to the other cast members who died, Garth continued, “I feel like there’s a reunion party going on at the Peach Pit in Heaven and I find it comforting to know that someday I’ll be surrounded by my dearest friends. There will be one seat.
Elsewhere, Shannen Doherty, who plays Brenda Walsh, posted a photo of her and Tata on her Instagram Story as a tribute.
Ziering shared his tribute to Tata on social media, saying that he was a fan of the actor before working with him.
“Joey was really an OG, I remember seeing him on The Rockford Files with James Garner before they worked together on 90210. He was often one of the background villains in the original Batman series,” he wrote.
He said Tata was “one of the happiest people I’ve ever worked with, he was as generous with his intelligence as he was with his kindness.”
Jason Priestley, who played Brandon Walsh in “90210”, wrote in his tribute, “Today we lost our dear friend and TV boss Joe E Tata. Nat Busiccio was a big part of Beverly Hills 90210 and Joy in my life. There was a big part of Rest in Peace Joe. There will never be another.”
Tata’s other credits include “Magnum, PI,” “The Rockford Files,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Batman” and “The A-Team.”
His last TV credits were in 2014 when he appeared in ABC Family’s ‘Mystery Girls’ on ‘90210’ alongside Spelling and Garth.
The “90210” family lost a lot of costs over the years, including actor Luke Perry, who died in March 2019 at the age of 52.
The actor, who played Dylan McKay on the hit show, was hospitalized after suffering a stroke and died five days later.