Tori Spelling shares sweet memories of 'Beverly Hills, 90210' co-star Joe E. Tata after his death

Joe E. Tata, best known for his role as Nat Bussichio on the '90s teen drama "Beverly Hills, 90210," has died following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 85.

Tata's daughter, Kelly Tata, announced her father "passed away peacefully last night August 24, 2022" on a GoFundMe page Thursday. Kelly created the page in October 2021 to help her father navigate his condition with Alzheimer’s disease, which she said he was diagnosed with in 2018.

"My father and I are forever grateful for the love and support of family, friends, and fans," Kelly wrote Thursday. "Please continue to keep us in your prayers as I grieve the loss of my best friend."

Kelly said the remaining funds collected from the fundraiser will be donated to the nonprofit Alzheimer's Association. A representative for GoFundMe verified the authenticity of Kelly's fundraising page.

USA TODAY has reached out to Tata’s representative for further comment.

Tata's co-star Ian Ziering, who played Steve Sanders, confirmed the actor's death on Instagram. "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.

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"Joey was truly an OG," Ziering continued. "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. 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 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."

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More 'Beverly Hills, 90210' stars pay tribute to Tata

Jason Priestley, who played Brandon Walsh on "90210," also paid tribute to Tata.

"Today we lost my dear friend and TV boss Joe E Tata," Priestley wrote on Instagram. "Nat Busiccio was a huge part of Beverly Hills 90210 and Joey was a huge part of my life. Rest In Peace Joe. There will never be another."

The Instagram page for the 90210MG podcast, co-hosted by Ziering's co-stars Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling, shared the news too.

"R.I.P. Joe E. Tata," the post's caption read. "We are heartbroken by this news...thinking of his friends and family....Nat is forever in our hearts."

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Jennie Garth, who played Kelly Taylor on "90210," said on Instagram Tata's death was "another great loss for our family today."

While Garth wrote her heart was "sad," she added she will always remember Tata's "smile and mischievously loving laugh."

Garth continued: "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. Sending hugs to all that loved Joey today."

Brian Austin Green also paid tribute to Tata Thursday, sharing a video of himself giving Tata a hug at a recent event.

Green, who played David Silver on the show, wrote: "A friend of mine sent me this video from the BAG pod live event we did at Torrance high school a few years back," he wrote. "Joey was a family member for sure and he will be missed but so fondly remembered."

Tori Spelling, who got her first major role on "90210" as Donna Martin, shared various photos of herself with Tata and the rest of the cast.

She called him "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."

"I never saw him without a big smile on his face," she wrote. "His humor was uniquely Joey and his delivery was always spot on. He kept us in stitches. He made long work days seem short. He was the ultimate professional. Loved listening to the amazing stories he would tell."

Spelling called Tata a "natural and gifted storyteller" that always "reminded me of my Dad."

"They were so much alike. Which, in hindsight, makes sense that both of these special men walked me down the aisle! My Dad in real life at my first wedding, and Joey {Nat} to my Donna on 90210. And, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way," Spelling fondly recalled.

"I’m glad he’s finally at peace. Joey have a drink with my Dad! Xo," she concluded.

Tata made his television debut as Arthur Curtis in the crime drama "Peter Gunn" in 1960. He went on to appear in shows such as "General Hospital," "Lost in Space," "Batman" and "The Rockford Files."

Tata reprised the role of Nat Bussichio in 2008, appearing in three episodes of the CW reboot "90210," starring Shenae Grimes-Beech, Tristan Mack Wilds and AnnaLynne McCord.

His last TV role was an appearance on the ABC Family sitcom "Mystery Girls," starring Garth and Spelling, in 2014.

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Contributing: Naledi Ushe, Pamela Avila

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe E Tata, 'Beverly Hills, 90210' star, dies after Alzheimer’s battle