Renowned actress Patti Yasutake, recognized for her roles in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and Netflix’s “Beef,” has passed away at 70. According to Kyle Fritz, her manager and close friend, Yasutake died on August 5, 2024, following a long struggle with a rare T-cell lymphoma type.
Yasutake was born on September 6, 1953, in Los Angeles, California. In a career that spanned over 30 years, she began her acting career with a role in the 1985 police drama “T.J. Hooker,” acting alongside William Shatner. Her breakthrough role was in the 1986 comedy “Gung Ho” by Ron Howard, where she played Umeki Kazihiro, a Japanese woman striving to assimilate into American culture.
She is best remembered for playing Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Yasutake reprised this role in the films “Star Trek Generations” (1994) and “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996). Regarding her recurring role, Yasutake once stated, “It was really fun when you get the call to come back because it made you feel good that you were probably doing something they appreciated.”
In the Netflix series “Beef,” Yasutake played her last significant role as Fumi Nakai, the mother of George, portrayed by Joseph Lee. The series, which also starred Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, received several awards and critical acclaim. Yasutake found immense pleasure in being part of this project, citing both the joy of its creation and the positive response from the audience as incredibly rewarding.
Throughout her career, Yasutake was known not only for her acting prowess but also for her commitment and spirit. Her manager, Kyle Fritz, said, “Patti was my first client when I began over 30 years ago. We enjoyed every day we worked together, and I will miss her spirit, talent, tenacity, but most of all, her friendship.”
Yasutake’s theater work includes appearances at East West Players, where she collaborated with co-founder Mako. She also performed with the Los Angeles Theatre Center, South Coast Repertory, and the Westwood Playhouse. Her role in the 1988 film “The Wash” earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Female at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Yasutake is survived by her siblings, Linda Hayashi and Steve Yasutake. A memorial service will take place on August 25, 2024 at the East West Players Theater company in Los Angeles, California, where she started her acting career. In lieu of flowers, her family has requested donations to East West Players to honor Yasutake’s long-standing relationship with the theater community.