‘Star Trek’ Actress Patti Yasutake Dies at Age 70

Star Trek actress Patti Yasutake has died at age 70.

On Monday, Aug. 5, Yasutake died peacefully while surrounded by her family and friends, her manager Kyle Fritz confirmed. News of her death came following a battle with cancer.

Yasutake was known for portraying nurse Alyssa Ogawa in the series Star Trek: The Next Generation, the 1994 film Star Trek: Generations and the 1996 film Star Trek: First Contact.

More recently, she played Fumi Nakai in Netflix’s Beef, which won Best Limited Series at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards.

“Patti was not only a client but a ‘chosen family member,’” Fritz told People. “She was the very first actress I ever signed and a friendship of over 30 years ensued. It was an honor to know her, work with her and love her.”

Yasutake graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a degree in theater, and became involved in the East West Players theater.

Notably, she was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female in 1989 for The Wash. Yasutake also appeared in films like Drop Dead Gorgeous, Blind Spot and Road to Galveston, in addition to guest roles in Grey’s Anatomy, Bones, Cold Case and more.

In the wake of her death, fans took to social media to react to the news. One X user wrote, “This scene in #StarTrekTNG’s ‘Suspicions’ is my favourite Alyssa Ogawa moment. As a kid, it taught me so much about being a good friend, trusted colleague and decent human being. We’ve lost a member of the #TNG family. RIP Patti Yasutake, you will be missed!”

Another fan shared via X, “I’m sure a lot of TNG fans will agree that the world will be less without your charming presence and wonderful laughter. RIP Patti Yasutake.”

Meanwhile, another X user shared, “Sickbay at half lights in honor of Patti Yasutake. Kindness, compassion, love and healing.”