Hello everyone, today, we have some sad news to share about the passing of Patti Yasutake, an actress beloved by many for her role as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and its various spin-offs.
Patti passed away on August 5 at the age of 70, surrounded by her loved ones after a courageous battle with Lymphoma. She took her final breath at the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, leaving behind a legacy that has touched both the entertainment world and her many fans.
Patti Yasutake’s death was confirmed by her manager and longtime friend, Kyle Fritz, who spoke fondly of their 30-year friendship. In a heartfelt statement, Fritz shared, “Patti was not only a client but a ‘chosen family member.’ 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.”
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Patti grew up in the neighborhoods of Gardena and Inglewood. She attended UCLA, where she graduated with honors in Theater.
Patti’s early career was deeply rooted in theater, particularly with the East West Players, where she worked alongside the legendary actor and director Mako. Her contributions to the stage spanned over three decades, including performances and directorial work at renowned theaters like the Manhattan Theatre Club and the Geffen Playhouse.
Hollywood took notice of Patti after her feature debut in Ron Howard’s 1986 comedy “Gung Ho.” From there, her film career blossomed, with roles in “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” “Blind Spot,” and “Road to Galveston,” where she had the opportunity to work with acting greats Joanne Woodward and Cicely Tyson.
Of course, many know Patti best as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa, a character she first brought to life in the season 4 episode “Future Imperfect” of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Over time, her role grew, with memorable appearances in later seasons and in the films “Star Trek: Generations” and “Star Trek: First Contact.”
Even in recent years, Patti continued to showcase her talent, including her role in the popular Netflix series “Beef,” where she appeared alongside stars like Ali Wong and Steven Yeun.
Patti Yasutake leaves behind her siblings, Linda Hayashi and Steven Yasutake, along with a large extended family and a vast network of friends and colleagues. While she may no longer be with us, her spirit lives on in the performances and the lives she touched throughout her remarkable career.
Rest in peace, Patti. Your contributions to the world of entertainment will not be forgotten.
