Patti Yasutake, Star Trek and Beef Star, Dies at 70

by

As a seasoned movie critic with a soft spot for actors who embody their characters with authenticity and grace, I find myself deeply saddened by the passing of Patti Yasutake. Her journey through the Hollywood landscape spanned over four decades, and her work in various projects, from the iconic Star Trek franchise to Netflix’s Beef, left a lasting impact on both audiences and fellow artists alike.

Patti Yasutake, renowned for her roles in ‘Star Trek’ and Netflix’s ‘Beef’, sadly passed away on August 5 after a prolonged struggle with cancer at the age of 70. As reported by her friend and manager Kyle Fritz, Yasutake succumbed to a rare type of T-cell lymphoma she had been fighting for some time. In a statement to PEOPLE, Fritz stated:

Patti wasn’t just a client; she became like a cherished relative in my extended family. I had the pleasure of being the first talent agent to represent her, and this led to a friendship that lasted over three decades. It was truly an honor to know her, collaborate with her, and care for her deeply.

Yasutake was born in Los Angeles, California, and embarked on her career in the 1970s following her graduation from UCLA with a theater arts degree. Her initial acting ventures were on stage, but in 1985, she made her television debut, featuring in guest roles for shows like T.J. Hooker, Knots Landing, and Hail to the Chief. The subsequent year saw her star as Umeki Kazihiro in Ron Howard’s Gung Ho, a role she revisited for a brief-lived series of the same name.

Yasutake gained recognition for portraying Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in the 1987 series “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” She later reprised this role in the films “Star Trek Generations” (1994) and “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996). Her performance in Michael Toshiyuki Uno’s 1988 film, titled “The Wash,” a drama focusing on a Japanese family, led to a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award.

In addition to my own acting journey, I’ve had the privilege of being part of captivating film productions such as “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot,” “Road to Galveston,” and “Drop Dead Gorgeous.” Moreover, I’ve graced some of television’s most beloved series, including guest spots on “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Bones,” “The Closer,” “Living Single,” “ER,” “Picket Fences,” and “The Young and the Restless.”

Patti Yasutake Found Her Work on Beef ‘Deeply Gratifying’

In 2023, Yasutake starred in the Emmy Award-winning Netflix series “Beef,” playing Ali Wong’s character’s mother-in-law. During an interview with Netflix’s Tudum, the actress shared her enthusiasm about being part of the show.

“I was just elated, this many decades into my career, that a role like this would come along.”

In praise of Lee Sung Jin’s writing for the series, Yasutake remarked that it struck a particularly emotional chord with her, making it very meaningful.

“After all these years in my profession, I wouldn’t have expected to encounter a project as exciting as this one, along with a role like this. It’s incredibly rewarding to not only be part of it, but also to enjoy the process so much. And to see that the audience is enjoying it too – I can hardly find the words. It’s just an exhilarating experience.”

The show titled “Beef” won eight Emmy Awards, including the category for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. Additionally, it took home three Golden Globe Awards, one of which was for Best Limited or Anthology Series or Television Film. A second season is being developed with a new cast. It’s worth noting that Yasutake, who was a crucial part of the original series, last appeared physically in the show, but her final role was providing the voice for Akane Kishida in the video game “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth”.

Yasutake is survived by her siblings, Linda Hayashi and Steve Yasutake.

Read More

2024-08-07 19:02