Beef and Star Trek actress Patti Yasutake dead at 70 after cancer battle as she was ‘surrounded by friends and family’
By Ashley Gale,
2024-08-06STAR Trek: The Next Generation actress Patti Yasutake has died at 70.
Patti, who also starred in the award-winning Netflix series Beef , passed peacefully after a cancer battle.
The actress’ lifelong friend and agent, Kyle Fritz, confirmed the news to Deadline on Tuesday.
He revealed that she died on August 5 surrounded by loving friends and family .
“Patti was my first client when I began over 30 years ago,” he wrote.
“We enjoyed every day we got to work together, and I will miss her spirit talent and tenacity but most of all her friendship.”
PATTI’S LIFE
Patti was born and raised in Gardena and Inglewood, California , and graduated with honors in theater from UCLA.
She began her long career in the Hollywood industry at the theater organization, East West Players, where she worked with Japanese-American actor Mako for six years.
Patti’s debut movie role was Umeki alongside Ron Howard in Gung Go (1986).
She starred in The Wash two years later, earning her an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
From 1994 to 1996, Patti starred as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in many Star Trek adaptations.
Other films Patti starred in include Blind Spot, Road to Galveston, and Drop Dead Gorgeous.
Over the years, Patti guest starred on several popular TV series including Bones, The Closer, Grey’s Anatomy , and Cold Case.
‘MAY HER MEMORY BE A BLESSING’
On X , many fans shared their condolences and praised Patti for her wonderful career.
“So sorry to hear about Patti Yasutake’s passing,” one fan wrote.
“She was amazing as Nurse Ogawa on TNG. And through her whole career. May Her Memory Be a Blessing.”
Patti Yasutake's career in film and TV
Over the years, Patti has appeared in several popular films and TV shows
Here is a list of Patti’s acting catalog:
- Gung Ho (1986)
- The Wash (1988)
- Without Warning: The James Brady Story (1991)
- Fatal Friendship (1991)
- Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992)
- Blind Spot (1993)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation (1994)
- Star Trek Generations (1994)
- Dangerous Intentions (1995)
- Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
- Road to Galveston (1996)
- A Face to Kill For (1999)
- ER (2003)
- Cold Case (2007)
- Unbelievable!!!!! (2020)
- Beef (2023)
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)
“She was wonderful,” said another.
A third pointed out, “Glad she was surrounded by love in the end.”
“I cannot process this news. I love her [Star Trek] character so much,” someone else mentioned.
A fifth said, “She was amazing and will be missed.”
A memorial for Patti will take place at East West Players in Los Angeles on a date to be announced.
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