Joe E. Tata, ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ actor, dead at 85

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Joe E. Tata, the actor best known for playing Nat, owner of the Peach Pit on "Beverly Hills, 90210," has died. He was 85.

The star’s passing was confirmed by his "90210" co-star Ian Ziering on Wednesday.

"In the last few months we’ve lost Jessica Klein one of 90210’s most prolific writers and producers, Denise Douse who played Mrs. Teasley, and now I’m very sad to say Joe E Tata has passed away," Ziering wrote. "Joey was truly an OG, 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," the actor shared. "One of the happiest people I’ve ever worked with, he was as generous with his wisdom as he was with his kindness. Though the peach pit was a 90210 set, It often felt like the backdrop to the Joe E Tata show. 

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"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," he continued. "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. My smile dims today but basking in fond memories moves him from my eyes to my heart where he will always be. My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends, and everyone else he was dear too. Rest In peace Joey."

A spokesperson for Tata didn’t immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

According to a GoFundMe account started by Tata’s daughter Kelly, the actor was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017.

Joe E. Tata, left, and Jack Knight in the ABC TV movie ‘Dead Man on the Run,’ circa 1975. (Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

Kelly claimed that she served as her father’s caregiver until he "unwittingly signed documents which entered him into a conservatorship. He maintains that he agreed to this conservatorship under duress." Kelly noted that she was admitted to a hospital "amid my own health struggles."

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Tata was born Sept. 13, 1936, in the Bronx. He led a thriving TV career during the ‘70s and ‘80s, thanks to parts on the cop dramas "Mannix," "Adam-12" "The F.B.I." and "The Streets of San Francisco." He also appeared in "General Hospital," "The Outer Limits" and "Mister Roberts," among others. However, Tata became best known as the owner of the Peach Pit on "Beverly Hills, 90210," on which he appeared for 10 seasons.

Tata’s final role was in 2014’s "Mystery Girls," where he played Principal Frost. Kelly said that’s when his health "took a turn for the worse."

Joe E. Tata was recognized as the beloved owner of the Peach Pit on "Beverly Hills, 90210." (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc.)

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"Nat was a loving father figure to the kids of West Beverly High," she wrote. "In real life, my Dad, Joey, is honest, kind, and a truly incredible father."