“Star Trek” fans are mourning: She played a role in the series “The Next Generation” for four years and also appeared in films aboard the “Starship Enterprise.” Now, US actress Patti Yasutake has passed away at the age of 70.
Sadness among the “Trekkies”: Actress Patti Yasutake, who portrayed nurse Alyssa Ogawa in the “Star Trek” series “The Next Generation” for four years, died on Monday in California. The 70-year-old American succumbed to cancer, as her long-time manager Kyle Fritz informed the trade publication “Hollywood Reporter.”
Starting in 1990, the actress, whose full name was Patricia Sue Yasutake, was part of the “Starship Enterprise” crew. She also appeared as a nurse in the popular sci-fi universe films “Generations” and “First Contact.”
“Patti was my first client when I started over 30 years ago. We cherished every day we could work together,” her manager is quoted as saying. “I will miss her spirit, her talent, and her perseverance, but most of all, her friendship.”
Farewell to Patti Yasutake — who portrayed Dr. Crusher's trusty nurse Alyssa Ogawa in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Star Trek Generations," and "Star Trek: First Contact."#StarTrek https://t.co/cluBcbjfKa pic.twitter.com/GGroC9KRlM
— TrekCore.com 🖖 (@TrekCore) August 6, 2024
Yasutake was part of the cast of the Netflix hit “Beef”
In film and television, Patti Yasutake, who had a degree in theater studies, made a name for herself in the 80s. Among other things, she appeared in TV successes such as “The Closer” and the long-running hospital drama “Grey’s Anatomy.” She was last seen on camera last year. Alongside Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, Patti Yasutake appeared in the Netflix hit “Beef” (2023), where she played the role of Fumi Nakai, the mother of the character George Nakai (Joseph Lee).
However, Yasutake is still particularly known for her adventures on the “Starship Enterprise,” which is why numerous “Star Trek” fans mourned the American on social media. She is survived by her siblings Linda Hayashi and Steve Yasutake.
