Patti Yasutake, the actress recognized for her portrayal of Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and other “Star Trek” projects, has passed away at the age of 70.
Her manager and longtime friend, Kyle Fritz, confirmed her passing to Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
“Patti wasn’t just a client but a member of my ‘chosen family.’ She was the first actress I ever signed, leading to over 30 years of friendship. It was a privilege to know her, collaborate with her, and love her,” Fritz expressed.
“Every single day we spent working together was enjoyable… I will deeply miss her lively spirit, incredible talent, and unwavering determination, but above all, her friendship.”
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Actress Patti Yasutake arrives at Star Trek: The Tour Opening Night Gala on January 17, 2008, in Long Beach, California. (Getty Images)
Yasutake passed away on August 5, surrounded by loved ones after enduring a long battle with cancer. Fritz stated that she had been battling lymphoma and died at the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center.
Born and raised in Gardena and Inglewood, Los Angeles, she graduated with honors in Theater from UCLA.
Yasutake began her career at East West Players, collaborating with the iconic Mako for six years on stage, as well as on staff and The Board, performing in over a dozen productions. Her theater career spanned three decades and featured work with New Mexico Repertory Theatre, American Southwest Theatre, Los Angeles Theatre Center, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club, South Coast Repertory Theatre, and The Westwood Playhouse (now The Geffen Playhouse).
Patti Yasutake’s most recent television role was in the popular Netflix series “Beef.” (Getty Images)
Additionally, Yasutake was a director in theater. She developed and staged world premieres at East West Players, Richmond Shepherd Theater, and Ensemble Studio Theater, along with a highly acclaimed remount of “Tea” at the Odyssey Theater.
She gained significant attention in Hollywood following her film debut in Ron Howard’s 1986 comedy “Gung Ho.”
Her extensive filmography includes roles in “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” “Blind Spot,” “Road to Galveston,” and working alongside her acting idols, Joanne Woodward and Cicely Tyson.
“Star Trek” cast member Patti Yasutake autographs memorabilia at the Light Speed Fine Arts gallery in December 2001. (Getty Images)
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Her most recent television role was on the Netflix series “Beef,” where she portrayed the character Fumi, sharing the screen with Ali Wong, Steven Yeun, and others.
Yasutake was widely celebrated for her role as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987), first appearing in the season 4 episode, “Future Imperfect” (1990), and continued as a recurring character until the series concluded, taking on larger roles in the seventh season, notably in the episode “Lower Decks” (1994), according to IMDb.
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Yasutake appeared in ABC’s “Notorious” during its first season. (Getty Images)
She was also featured in the films “Star Trek: Generations” (1994) and “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996).
Yasutake’s extensive television credits included roles in “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Bones,” “Notorious,” “Flash Forward,” and “Cold Case.”
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She is survived by her siblings Linda Hayashi and Steven Yasutake, along with a large extended family of nephews and nieces, as well as a close-knit community of friends and colleagues.
