Patti Yasutake, the acclaimed actress best known for her roles in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and Netflix’s “Beef,” has died at 70. As confirmed by her manager and longtime friend Kyle Fritz, Yasutake passed away on August 5, 2024, after a prolonged battle with a rare form of T-cell lymphoma.
Born on September 6, 1953, in Los Angeles, California, Yasutake had a vibrant career spanning over three decades. She began her acting journey with a role in the police drama “T.J. Hooker” in 1985, starring alongside William Shatner. Her first significant role came in Ron Howard’s 1986 comedy “Gung Ho,” where she portrayed Umeki Kazihiro, a Japanese wife striving to Americanize herself.
Yasutake’s most iconic role was as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” a character she reprised in the films “Star Trek Generations” (1994) and “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996). Reflecting on her recurring role, Yasutake once said, “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.”
Yasutake’s final significant role was in the Netflix series “Beef,” where she portrayed Fumi Nakai, George’s mother, played by Joseph Lee. The series, featuring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, received critical praise and several awards. Yasutake expressed immense satisfaction in being part of the project, highlighting both the enjoyment of making it and the positive audience reception, which she found incredibly rewarding.
Throughout her career, Yasutake was celebrated not only for her talent but also for her dedication to her craft and her spirit. Her manager, Kyle Fritz, remarked, “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 included stints at East West Players, where she worked closely with the company’s co-founder, Mako. She also worked with other companies, including Los Angeles Theatre Center, South Coast Repertory, and the Westwood Playhouse. Her performance in the 1988 film “The Wash” earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Female.
Patti Yasutake is survived by her siblings, Linda Hayashi and Steve Yasutake. A memorial service will be held on August 25, 2024, at the East West Players Theater company in Los Angeles, where she began her acting career. Instead of flowers, her family has requested donations to the East West Players, honoring her long-standing connection with the theater community.
