After Joe E. Tata’s death, the cast of Beverly Hills, 90210 has paid tribute to him.
Actor Joe Mantegna, best known for playing Peach Pit diner owner Nat Bussichio on the long-running series Beverly Hills, 90210, died at the age of 86 after previously being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
The news of the actor’s death was met with an outpouring of grief from star members of the cast on Instagram.
Sharing photographs of her and Tata throughout the years, which she cherishes, Tori Spelling said, “We lost our family and good friend Joe E. Tata šā¦ ”
She later added he is “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.”
According to Spelling, Tata was always funny and his delivery of jokes was perfect. She went on to say that he made work enjoyable for her and everyone else.
Spelling drew comparisons between Tata and her real-life father, Aaron, in her Instagram postāreferencing a photo from the show in which Nat walked Spelling’s Donna Martin down the aisle. She said that was request she gave to the writers: “It meant a lot to me. Personally and professionally. Based on our close real life friendship and the fact he [Tata] was a fun, caring, loyal, and protective male role model to me this was as it should be.”
After sharing special memories she and Tata shared, both on and off set, for always being there when she needed him.
“I’m glad he’s finally at peace. Joey have a drink with my Dad! Xo,” Spelling ended her tribute.
Sharing a recent video of him and Tata hugging, Brian Austin Green wrote, “Joey was a family member for sure and he will be missed but so fondly remembered ā¤ļø.”
Jennie Garth mourned the situation in a comment on Instagram, writing, “This is such a great loss.”
“I have a very sad heart but will always remember that smile and mischievously loving laugh,” Garth stated.
Garth also paid tribute to his late Beverly Hills, 90210 costars. “I feel like there’s a reunion party going on at the Peach Pit in heaven and I find comfort knowing that there will be a seat there for me someday surrounded by my dear friends,” she said.
“Sending hugs to all that loved Joey today. Loss is so hardā¦ š #beverlyhills90210,” she added.
To honor her late co-star, Shannen Doherty posted a photo of the two of them from their days on Beverly Hills, 90210 to her Instagram Story.
