Patti Yasutake, the beloved actress who immortalized the character of Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in 'Star Trek Generations' and two other iconic franchise films, as well as the poignant role of Fumi Nakai, the widowed mother of Joseph Lee's sculptor in 'Beef,' has sadly passed away at the age of 70. Her long-time manager, Kyle Fritz, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter, revealing that Yasutake succumbed to a rare form of T-cell lymphoma on Monday at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center after a protracted battle.
"Patti was not just my first client when I embarked on this journey over three decades ago," Fritz reminisced in a heartfelt statement. "She was a beacon of joy in every working day we shared, and I will forever cherish her boundless spirit, remarkable talent, unwavering tenacity, and, above all, our profound friendship."
Born and bred in Los Angeles, Yasutake's versatile talent shone brightly in her portrayal of a Japanese wife transplanted to American soil, earnestly striving for assimilation in Ron Howard's 'Gung Ho' (1986) and its fleeting ABC series adaptation that spanned just nine episodes in 1986-87. Her performance in 'The Wash' (1988) earned her a nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards, further solidifying her place in the hearts of audiences and critics alike.
Yasutake's impressive filmography also boasts credits in 'Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot' (1992) and the hilarious 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' (1999), showcasing her versatility and range as an actress. But it was her portrayal of Starfleet Officer Nurse Ogawa that truly etched her name in sci-fi history, as she graced 16 episodes of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' from 1990 to 1994 and reprised the role with grace and poise in 'Star Trek Generations' (1994) and 'Star Trek: First Contact' (1996).
Her passing leaves a void in the world of entertainment, but her legacy as a talented and cherished performer lives on.
Last year, she captivated audiences in seven episodes of Netflix's hit series, Beef, portraying the formidable mother of George Nakai and the formidable mother-in-law to Ali Wong's character, Amy Lau. Born on September 6, 1953, Yasutake's roots are deeply entwined with Gardena and Inglewood, where she flourished. Armed with a theater degree from UCLA, she embarked on her illustrious career with the renowned East West Players, sharing the stage for six illustrious years with the Oscar-nominated actor Mako, who later became her co-star in The Wash.
As a theater director, Yasutake's legacy extends far beyond the stage. She breathed life into world premieres for East West Players (Doughball), Richmond Shepherd Theater (The Single Man), and Ensemble Studio Theater (Father, I Must Have Rice), leaving an indelible mark on the theatrical landscape. Additionally, she masterfully remounted Tea for the Odyssey Theatre, ensuring its timeless charm resonated with new audiences.
Her directing prowess extended to workshops at prestigious venues like the Mark Taper Forum, Arizona Theater Company, Los Angeles Theater Center, and Geffen Playhouse, where she nurtured talent and inspired creativity.
Survived by her cherished siblings, Linda and Steven, Yasutake's memory will live on through the East West Players, where a memorial celebration will be held in her honor. To honor her life's work, donations in her memory can be made to this beloved theater company, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations.
