Veteran actress from Emmy-winning Netflix show dead at 70

One of the stars of a hit Netflix show that swept the Emmy Awards this year has died at the age of 70, it’s been revealed.

Actress Patti Yasutake, who appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation and more recently the Netflix hit Beef, has died at 70.

Yasutake had played Fumi Nakai, mother-in-law to lead actress Ali Wong’s character Amy, in the acclaimed Netflix series which swept this year’s Emmy Awards.

The actress’ lifelong friend and agent, Kyle Fritz, confirmed the news to Deadline, stating that she passed peacefully after a cancer battle.

He revealed that she died on August 5 surrounded by loving friends and family.

“Patti was my first client when I began over 30 years ago,” he wrote.

Patti Yasutake played Ali Wong’s mother-in-law in Beef. Picture: Netflix

“We enjoyed every day we got to work together, and I will miss her spirit talent and tenacity but most of all her friendship.”

Patti’s life

Patti was born and raised in Gardena and Inglewood, California, and graduated with honours in theatre from UCLA.

She began her long career in the Hollywood industry at the theatre organisation, East West Players, where she worked with Japanese-American actor Mako for six years.

Patti’s debut movie role was Umeki alongside Ron Howard in Gung Go (1986).

Patti on the red carpet for the Beef premiere in March last year. Picture: Getty Images for Netflix

Patti’s on-screen daughter-in-law Ali Wong was among those who scored Emmy wins for the series.

She starred in The Wash two years later, earning her an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

From 1994 to 1996, Patti starred as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in many Star Trek adaptations.

Other films Patti starred in include Blind Spot, Road to Galveston, and Drop Dead Gorgeous.

Over the years, Patti guest starred on several popular TV series including Bones, The Closer, Grey’s Anatomy, and Cold Case.

On X, many fans shared their condolences and praised Patti for her wonderful career.

“So sorry to hear about Patti Yasutake’s passing,” one fan wrote.

The cast of Beef, a hit Netflix series that ruminated on rage in modern life. Picture: Charley Gallay/Getty

“She was amazing as Nurse Ogawa on TNG. And through her whole career. May Her Memory Be a Blessing.”

“She was wonderful,” said another.

A third pointed out, “Glad she was surrounded by love in the end.”

“I cannot process this news. I love her [Star Trek] character so much,” someone else mentioned.

A fifth said, “She was amazing and will be missed.”

A memorial for Patti will take place at East West Players in Los Angeles on a date to be announced.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Veteran actress from Emmy-winning Netflix show dead at 70