“Beverly Hills, 90210” wasn’t complete without the Peach Pit, run by Joe E. Tata’s character, Nat Busschio. The diner owner had a tough, no-nonsense exterior but was someone who often gave the kids free advice and peach pie. Joe portrayed Busschio perfectly and it was heartbreaking when his daughter Kelly Tata shared on GoFundMe that he had died after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018. “I’m devastated to report that my father Joe E. Tata passed away peacefully on August 24, 2022. My father and I are forever grateful for the love and support of family, friends, and fans,” she stated.
Ian Ziering paid his own tribute to Joe on Instagram. “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 acknowledged Joe’s vital role in “BH, 90210” and shared, “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.” Joe was 85 at the time of his death.
