Entertainment
Star Trek Legacy Lives On as Actress Dies at 70 After Cancer Battle
Clear Facts
- Renowned for her role in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Patti Yasutake passed away at 70, following a prolonged battle with cancer.
- Yasutake’s acting career, which spanned over three decades, culminated in a noteworthy role in the acclaimed limited series, “Beef.”
- In the Star Trek franchise, she left a permanent imprint with her depiction of Nurse Alyssa Ogawa and garnered an Independent Spirit Award Supporting Actress nomination for her role in the 1988 movie, “The Wash.”
The actress Patti Yasutake, beloved for her contribution to the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” franchise, has passed away. After a lengthy struggle with cancer, she died on Monday, surrounded by family and friends, as confirmed by her manager and friend, Kyle Fritz.
Fritz said, “Patti was my first client when I started over 30 years ago. We cherished every day we had to work together, and I will miss her spirit, talent, and tenacity, but most of all, her friendship.”
Yasutake’s performance as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” was iconic. She also reprised this role in “Star Trek Generations,” carving out an indelible presence in the franchise.
Beyond Star Trek, Yasutake was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award Supporting Actress for her performance in the 1988 film, “The Wash.”
Her filmography features memorable roles in films such as “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” “Blind Spot,” and “Road to Galveston.” She also made guest appearances in several prominent television shows, including “The Closer”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Bones,” “Flash Forward,” “The Unit,” and “Cold Case.”
Off-screen, Yasutake was a passionate theater director who devoted herself to various theater projects. She is survived by siblings Linda Hayashi and Steven Yasutake, and a host of nephews and nieces.
A memorial for Yasutake is to be held at East West Players Theatre. As a tribute to her memory, the family has requested that donations be made to the theater company.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Gerald Scott Ladd
August 10, 2024 at 9:40 am
May she rest in peace!
Daniel Gray
August 10, 2024 at 11:58 am
OK I have watched all versions of Star Trek since it came on in its pilot episode. and I am sorry to say I have never heard of her. Why is it when you have a very minor character that everyone calls them a star? After checking on the Star Trek webpage, this person was seen in less then 5 episodes for a combined total viewing time of 20 minutes in the complete series? And you do know that Star Trek Legacy is a VIDEO GAME….right? SO if you have not played the game how would you know who she even is? And I can assure you that out of 100% of the people who love Star Trek less then 20% would be able to tell you who she is. You really need to stop calling people “Stars” for little spot positions in never been shows. So if she is a star, then what do you call Leonard Nemoy? A Super Nova? He has had more screen time in the pilot episode then she has had in the whole series.