‘Star Trek’ actress Patti Yasutake dies at 70

Patti Yasutake. Image: JC Olivera / Getty Images via AFP

Patti Yasutake, best known for her roles in “Star Trek Generations” and “Beef,” died after her long battle with cancer. She was 70.

Yasutake’s passing was confirmed by her longtime manager Kyle Fritz through a statement sent to The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Fritz disclosed that Yasutake died on Aug. 5 at the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center due to a rare form of T-cell lymphoma.

“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.”

In a separate statement to People, Fritz noted that Yasutake was “not only a client but a ‘chosen family member.’”

“It was an honor to know her, work with her and love her,” he added.

Yasutake portrayed Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in the TV series “Star Trek: The Next Generations,” and in the films “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek Generations.” In “Beef,” the actress played the role of Fumi Nakai.

She also guest-appeared in several TV series including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Closer” and “Bones.”

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