Patti Yasutake, best known for her role as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in Star Trek: The Next Generation (ST: TNG), passed away on Monday 5th August 2024. She had been fighting a rare form of T-cell lymphoma and sadly lost her battle at the age of 70. Her impact on ST: TNG was profound and memorable, as was her presence in many other shows throughout her life. Therefore, please join me in paying tribute to the life of Star Trek’s Patti Yasutake.
Yasutake’s Life
Born on 6th September 1953, Patti Yasutake would be thirty-two before her acting career started. It began with a few single-episode roles in various TV series through 1985. Her first big-screen appearance was in the 1986 movie Gung Ho. She reprised her role in its TV series, alongside future Star Trek actor Scott Bakula.
Yasutake appeared in numerous TV series and movies throughout her career, including Incognito, ER, Grey’s Anatomy, Boston Legal, and Beef. Her role in Beef led to two nominations in the International Online Cinema Awards – Best Supporting Actress and Best Ensemble. She also provided her acting voice to several notable video games – Star Trek: Armada II, BioShock Infinite, and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The latter was from 2024, and her last credited role before she died.
Of course, there is a franchise she was a part of for several years. Star Trek’s Patti Yasutake appeared numerous times throughout seasons four through seven of ST: TNG. This includes an appearance in a Hallmark advert, in character, demonstrating a new Enterprise-D Christmas ornament. She reprised her ST: TNG role perfectly in Star Trek: Generations (2004) and Star Trek: First Contact (1996).
Our Original Lower Decker
Long before we heard that passionate chant “Lower Decks! Lower Decks!” we were blessed with our original lower decker. In 1990, Yasutake was cast as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in ST: TNG after applying for the role of Keiko (Rosalind Chao). She appeared in sixteen episodes of ST: TNG from season four onwards, with several memorable performances. Yasutake’s impact was so considerable that I was convinced she had joined the cast in season two!
One such memorable scene for me was Yasutake’s first, in the season four episode ‘Future Imperfect’. Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes) wakes up with no memory of the last sixteen years of his life. Nurse Ogawa is standing at his bedside, giving Doctor Crusher (Gates McFadden) a relieved smile and confirming he’s awake. Yasutake portrays Nurse Ogawa with compassion and empathy from the start, which continues throughout her time on ST: TNG.
The Dream Team
Another memorable performance for me was during season four episode fourteen ‘Clues’. Doctor Crusher is conducting an experiment when the entire crew falls unconscious. Afterward, when tending to Chief O’Brien (Colm Meaney), she discovers the moss she was experimenting with shows a full day’s growth. Crusher asks Ogawa if she saw anyone near her lab and if she adjusted anything on her experiment. Ogawa smiles, reassuring Crusher she would never touch one of her experiments unless asked. It’s a lovely scene that shows us their relationship is growing – they have mutual respect and fondness for each other.
A scene that truly encapsulates Ogawa’s qualities of loyalty and friendship is in the season six episode ‘Suspicions’. Doctor Crusher is investigating the death of a Ferengi scientist, believing it to be the cause of foul play. She needs access to the autopsy files but has been relieved of duty. Ogawa spots Crusher in her office and jumps into action, accessing the files on her behalf. Crusher tries to protect Ogawa by ordering her not to get involved. Ogawa smiles warmly at her friend and jibes light-heartedly that she’s no longer her boss.
Forever Alyssa Ogawa
Star Trek’s Patti Yasutake made her impact in every TV show and movie she was a part of, I am sure. What is certain is her impact on ST: TNG and subsequent movies, Star Trek: Generations and Star Trek: First Contact. Yasutake portrayed Ogawa as a witty, compassionate person, a dedicated nurse (and doctor), and a loyal friend. She has become a favorite recurring character of mine, and I always smile when I see her on screen. Thank you, Patti, for bringing such a perfect Star Trek character to life. To me, you will forever be Alyssa Ogawa.
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