Patti Yasutake, the actor who played Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Fumi Nakai in Beef, died on August 5, 2024, aged 70. Her family confirmed that she died after a battle with cancer, according to Pacific Citizen.
How did Patti Yasutake die?
Yasutake died after a battle with cancer, her family confirmed, as reported by Pacific Citizen. TheWrap and RTÉ also reported her death following cancer. Those reports do not identify a more specific diagnosis.
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How old was Patti Yasutake?
She was 70. Her death date, August 5, 2024, is recorded in the Television Academy’s biography, while Pacific Citizen reported her age and her family’s confirmation of her death.
Who did she play in Star Trek and Beef?
Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in Star Trek
Yasutake played Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in Star Trek: The Next Generation, appearing in 16 episodes, according to UPI. She also returned as Ogawa in franchise films. The Television Academy biography lists Star Trek: Generations and Star Trek: First Contact among her credits.
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- Genre: TV Sci-Fi
- Number of Discs: 47
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Playback Duration: 7986
- Movie Title: Star Trek - Deep Space Nine: The Complete Series
Fumi Nakai in Beef
In Netflix’s Beef, Yasutake played Fumi Nakai, George’s mother. The role introduced her to many viewers late in her career, alongside a long body of stage and screen work.
Her career beyond those roles
Yasutake’s credits included Ron Howard’s 1986 comedy Gung Ho and the 1988 independent film The Wash. Pacific Citizen reported that she received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for supporting actress for The Wash. Her work also extended to the stage; East West Players was described by TheWrap as her longtime theater home. TheWrap reported in 2024 that a memorial service there was forthcoming.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A tribute from her longtime manager
Kyle Fritz, her manager for more than three decades, remembered their working relationship in a statement reported by RTÉ: “Patti was my first client when I began over 30 years ago,” he recalled. “We enjoyed every day we got to work together, and I will miss her spirit talent and tenacity but most of all her friendship.”
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