The cast ofBeverly Hills, 90210is remembering Joe E. Tata after his death.
The actor, best known for playing Peach Pit diner owner Nat Bussichio on the long-running series,died at the age of 86after previously being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Many stars on the show reacted to the news on Instagram, paying tribute to the late actor.
Sharing a sentimental set of photos of her and Tata through the years,Tori Spellingwrote, “We lost our family and good friend Joe E. Tata 💔… "
She remembered him as being “one of the kindest, funniest, most professional, amazing humans I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and more importantly being friends with in my entire life.”
Of his sense of humor, Spelling said Tata’s “delivery was always spot on. He kept us in stitches.”
Crediting him as the “ultimate professional,” Spelling said he was a highlight of her work day.
Likening Tata to her real-life fatherAaron, who died in 2006, Spelling referenced the first photo in her Instagram post — in which Tata’s Nat walked Spelling’s Donna Martin down the aisle on the show. Spelling said that was a request she gave the writers. “It meant a lot to me. Personally and professionally. Based on our close real life friendship and the fact he was a fun, caring, loyal, and protective male role model to me this was as it should be.”
Joe E. Tata on Beverly Hills, 90210.Aaron Spelling Prods
After sharing special memories she and Tata shared, she praised the late actor for always being there when she needed him, on and off set.
“I’m glad he’s finally at peace. Joey have a drink with my Dad! Xo,” Spelling ended her tribute.
Sharing a recentvideoof him and Tata hugging,Brian Austin Greenwrote, “Joey was a family member for sure and he will be missed but so fondly remembered ❤️.”
Jennie Garthalso acknowledged the “great loss” on Instagram with two photos of her posing with Tata and Spelling.
“I have a very sad heart but will always remember that smile and mischievously loving laugh,” Garthwrote.
For her tribute,Shannen Dohertysimply shared a photo of her and Tata on the series via her Instagram Story.
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Shannen Doherty/Instagram
In his own message,Ian Zieringrecalled being a fan of Tata before working with him on the series.
He added in part that Tata was “one of the happiest people I’ve ever worked with, he was as generous with his wisdom as he was with his kindness.”
“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,” Ziering wrote of Tata. “My smile dims today but basking in fond memories moves him from my eyes to my heart where he will always be.”
Jason Priestleyalso paid homage to Tata with a throwback snap of them at a black-tie event.
Tata’s daughter Kelly confirmed his death on theGoFundMe pageshe launched last October to raise funds as the actor struggled with declining health.
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.”
source: people.com
