Star Trek actor Patti Yasutake dies aged 70-Kitty Chrisp-Entertainment – Metro

Patti Yasutake has died ‘peacefully’ at her home at the age of 70 (Picture: John Salangsang/Shutterstock)

Patti Yasutake, best known for her roles in Netflix show Beef and Star Trek: The Next Generation, has died at the age of 70.

The actor died ‘peacefully’ at her home on August 5 surrounded by friends and family after being diagnosed with cancer. She had a rare form of T-cell lymphoma.

Her manager Kyle Fritz confirmed the news to Variety, saying: ‘Patti was my first client when I began over 30 years ago. We enjoyed every day we got to work together, and I will miss her spirit talent and tenacity but most of all her friendship.”

In Netflix’s acclaimed drama Beef, Yasutake played George’s mother Fumi Nakai, starring alongside Ali Wong and Steven Yeun.

She reprised her Star Trek role as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek Generations.

Born in Los Angeles in 1953, Yasutake was raised in Gardena and Inglewood and graduated UCLA with Honors in theatre.

Her TV career began in 1985 with an appearance on US police drama TJ Hooker, and Yasutake went on to appear on various other US TV series including Gung Ho, with guest appearances in Grey’s Anatomy, The Young and the Restless, and The Closer.

Her film credits include Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999), Blind Spot (1993) and Road to Galveston (1996).

Yasutake’s sister Irene Hirano – who died in 2020 –  was the founding president of the US-Japan Council. She is survived by siblings Linda Hayashi and Steve Yasutake.

A memorial open to her colleagues and fans will be held at East West Players 120 N Judge Aiso Street, Los Angeles. Donations may be made to East West Players – the nation’s longest-running Asian American theatre.

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