Patti Yasutake, a versatile actress known for her roles in the acclaimed Netflix series Beef and Star Trek: The Next Generation, has died at the age of 70.
Yasutake, a Los Angeles native, passed away peacefully on August 5 after a long battle with cancer, her manager and friend Kyle Fritz confirmed to Deadline. “Patti was my first client when I began over 30 years ago,” Fritz said. “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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After graduating with honors in theater from UCLA, Yasutake began her career at the East West Players, working with the company’s co-founder Mako for six years. She made her feature film debut in Ron Howard’s 1986 comedy Gung Ho and received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her role in the 1988 film The Wash. Her extensive television credits include guest appearances on The Closer, Grey’s Anatomy, and Bones. Most recently, she played a series regular role in Netflix’s Bee.
In addition to her screen work, Yasutake had a prolific stage career, spanning three decades and including performances at the Manhattan Theatre Club and the South Coast Repertory Theatre. She also directed several world premieres.
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Yasutake was preceded in death by her parents and sister. She is survived by her siblings Linda Hayashi and Steven Yasutake, as well as a large extended family and a close circle of friends and colleagues. A memorial service will be held at East West Players on August 25.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the East West Players theater company.
