"In 2018, he was finally diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease."
Joe E. Tata, the actor best known for playing Nat Bussichio in the popular teen drama series Beverly Hills 90210, has died. After a long battle with Alzheimer's, the actor passed away on August 24, 2022. He was 85 years old.
Tata's daughter Kelly confirmed the news on the GoFundMe page that she launched in October 2021, to raise funds for the actor as he struggled with his health.
"I am devastated to report that my father Joe E. Tata passed away peacefully last night, August 24, 2022," she wrote. "My father and I are forever grateful for the love and support of family, friends, and fans. I'm also especially grateful to Joanna Konjevod for caring for my father in his final years and allowing me to be there to hold his hand in his final moments."
"The remaining funds raised from this campaign will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as I grieve the loss of my best friend," the message read.
Before announcing the news of her father's death, Kelly, when she created the fundraising page, mentioned how her father's health had been on a decline since 2014.
"After his final role on ABC Family’s “Mystery Girls,” my father’s health took a turn for the worse. In 2014, I left my home to move in with him, effectively becoming his full time caregiver. As we had countless times before, Dad and I would navigate uncertainty together," she wrote.
"In 2018, he was finally diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease."
Former 90210 costar Ian Ziering, too, posted about Bronx-born Tata's death on Instagram on August 25, 2022. Ziering wrote about how Tata's death comes after the loss of two other cast and crew members of the show.
"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," he wrote beside two photos of Tata.
"Joey was truly an OG," Ziering continued. "I remember seeing him on the Rockford Files with James Garner years before we worked together on 90210. He was often one of the background villains in the original Batman series."
"One of the happiest people I've ever worked with, he was as generous with his wisdom as he was with his kindness," Ziering noted. "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."
"My smile dims today but basking in fond memories moves him from my eyes to my heart where he will always be," he concluded. "My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends, and everyone else he was dear too. Rest In peace Joey 🙏"
References:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-kelly-be-with-her-dad
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChsG7TirHFW/?hl=en
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Emma McIntyre
