‘Beef’ and ‘Star Trek’ Actress Passes Away at 70

Patti Yasutake, an actress known for her outstanding roles in “Beef” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” passed away peacefully on August 5, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 70 years old and had been battling cancer for a considerable time, as confirmed by her manager and friend Kyle Fritz. Patti’s departure marks the end of a journey filled with notable achievements and heartfelt contributions to the entertainment industry.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, specifically in Gardena and Inglewood, Yasutake had an illustrious academic journey. She graduated with honors in Theater from UCLA. Her career began at East West Players, where she collaborated closely with the company’s co-founder, the Japanese-American acting icon Mako. For six years, Patti was deeply involved with the company, performing in over a dozen shows, and contributing on staff and the board.

One of Yasutake’s most recent and high-profile television roles was in the Netflix acclaimed limited series “Beef.” She portrayed Fumi Nakai, George’s mother, resonating with both audiences and critics. Moreover, her portrayal of Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” remains iconic. Patti’s talent shone bright as she reprised this role in subsequent films within the franchise, such as “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek Generations.”

Kyle Fritz shared, “Patti was my first client when I began over thirty 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.”

Yasutake’s major feature debut came in 1986 with Ron Howard’s comedy “Gung Ho.” She played Umeki, a Japanese wife trying to adapt to American life, a role she revived in the follow-up ABC comedy series inspired by the movie. Her performance in the 1988 film “The Wash” earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Supporting Actress. Patti’s filmography also includes “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” “Blind Spot,” and “Road to Galveston,” along with numerous guest-starring roles in TV series such as “The Closer,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Bones,” “Flash Forward,” “The Unit,” and “Cold Case.”

Spanning over three decades, Yasutake’s theater work was extensive. She graced stages at 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).

As a theater director, Yasutake not only performed but also directed and staged world premieres at East West Players, including “Doughball” and the Richmond Shepherd Theater’s “The Single Man.” She also directed at Ensemble Studio Theater with “Father, I Must Have Rice” and revived “Tea” at the Odyssey Theater.

Patti Yasutake’s personal life was as enriched as her professional career. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Jean Yasutake, and her sister, business executive Irene Hirano Inouye. She leaves behind her siblings, Linda Hayashi and Steven Yasutake, a large extended family of nephews and nieces, and a close-knit group of friends and colleagues, including Fritz and Jonathan Del Arco.

A memorial service to honor Yasutake will be held at East West Players. In a gesture that underscores her lifelong commitment to theater, the family has requested contributions to the theater company in lieu of flowers.

Source: Deadline