Having fought cancer for a long time, Patti Yasutake passed away on August 5 at the age of 70.
Cancer took the life of Patti Yasutake, who was known for her roles in Star Trek and Beef, on Monday in Santa Monica. She was seventy years old.
In an interview with Variety, Yasutake’s manager, Kyle Fritz, offered confirmation of the revelation by stating, “Patti was my first client when I began more than three decades ago.” I will miss her enthusiasm, skill, and persistence, but most of all, her friendship. We cherished every day that we were able to work together, and I will miss her companionship the most.
Yasutake, who was born in Los Angeles, became well-known in the entertainment industry after making her debut in the comedy Gung Go, which was directed by Ron Howard and released in 1986. Her role as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation in particular has brought her a great deal of widespread recognition. Beginning with the program’s fourth season in 1990 and continuing through its seventh and final season in 1994, she appeared on the show as a recurrent guest star. In both the 1994 film Star Trek: Generations and the 1996 film Star Trek: First Contact, she played the same character again.
More recently, Yasutake played the role of Fumi Nakai, George’s mother, in the 2023 Netflix drama Beef. The show was nominated for and won the 2024 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television.
Her role in the film The Wash, which was released in 1988, earned her a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award in the category of best supporting actress.
After completing her studies in acting at UCLA, where she received a degree in theater, Yasutake began her professional career by working with Mako at the East West Players theatrical group. In addition, she carried out her work with a variety of other organizations, such as the Los Angeles Theatre Center, South Coast Repertory, The Westwood Playhouse, and others.
Apart from that, she was a director for the theater, where she staged premieres such as Doughball at East West Players and Father, I Must Have Rice at the Ensemble Studio Theater. Additionally, she directed a repeat of Tea at the Odyssey Theater.
Linda Hayashi and Steve Yasutake are the only members of Yasutake’s family who outlive him.