Patti Yasutake, a resident of Hollywood, California, lost her life due to a rare form of T-cell lymphoma at 70 at the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center on August 5, 2024.
She began acting in 1985 and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female in 1988.
In addition to acting, she directed workshop presentations at the Geffen Playhouse, Arizona Theater Company, Mark Taper Forum, and Los Angeles Theater Center.
This list explores the top 10 movies and TV shows in which Patti Yasutke has genuinely shined. It provides a great selection of her must-watch projects, even if you are new to her acting.
Lush Life
| Note that there may be differences in available movies depending on where you live. |
10. Drop Dead Gorgeous
Drop Dead Gorgeous
A small-town beauty pageant turns deadly as it becomes clear that someone will go to any lengths to win.
Genres
| Released Date | July 23, 1999 |
| Casts | Kirsten Dunst Denise Richards Ellen Barkin |
| Writer | Lona Williams |
| Director | Michael Patrick Jann |
Michael Patrick Jann directed Drop Dead Gorgeous, an American satirical mockumentary black comedy film released on July 23, 1999.
It follows a small-town beauty pageant where contestants and their families go to extreme lengths to win.
The plot revolves around Amber Atkins, played by Kirsten Dunst, who enters the pageant hoping to win a college scholarship.
However, the competition becomes fierce, with various mishaps and sabotage attempts occurring as the contestants strive for the crown.
Patti Yasutake portrayed the role of Mrs. Howard, the wife of Mr. Howard, played by Richard Narita.
Although Drop Dead Gorgeous wasn’t a box-office success, it grossed over $10.6 million in the United States and Canada. Its mixed critical reviews gained a following over time.
9. Lush Life
Lush Life
Al Gorky and Buddy Chester are professional New York musicians, or sidemen as they are known, and long-time friends.
Genres
Drama| Released Date | May 20, 1994 |
| Casts | Jeff Goldblum Forest Whitaker Kathy Baker |
| Writer | Michael Elias |
| Director | Michael Elias |
Michael Elias directed the TV movie Lush Life, released on May 20, 1994, in the United States.
It is also known as Vida Boemia in Brazil, Jazz fans la nuit in France, and Locos por el jazz in Spain.
The plot revolves around two professional New York musicians and long-time friends, Al Gorky and Buddy Chester. Al is a saxophonist, and Buddy is a trumpeter.
They enjoy playing in jazz clubs and living the extravagant lifestyle of musicians.
However, their world is turned upside down when Buddy is diagnosed with a brain tumor that will eventually cost him his career and life.
Buddy requests Al to organize a grand farewell party featuring all their musician friends and colleagues.
Patti Yasutake portrayed the role of a doctor in the film, which explores themes of friendship and the power of music as the characters navigate this emotional journey.
8. The Wash
The Wash
Nobu, an old, bigoted, Japanese-American traditionalist, is unable to reconcile the needs of his wife and two daughters with his conservative view on life, which forces them to leave him in pursuit of their happiness.
Genres
Drama Romance| Released Date | August 17, 1988 |
| Casts | Mako Shizuko Hoshi Danny Kamekona |
| Writer | Philip Kan Gotanda |
| Director | Michael Toshiyuki Uno |
Michael Toshiyuki Uno directed the romance drama The Wash, based on Philip Kan Gotanda’s 1985 play.
In 1988, Patti Yasutake was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female for her role as Marsha.
The plot tells the story of a newly separated Japanese-American couple, Nobu and Masi Matsumoto, and their struggles with their past.
Masi leaves Nobu due to his intolerant nature and begins dating the widower doctor Sadao.
However, Nobu struggles to cope with the separation and dates a widowed restaurant owner, Kiyoko, mainly for free meals.
Nobu and Masi’s marriage centered on Japanese tradition despite their residence in the United States, and Patti’s role added depth to the family dynamics and cultural identity.
Marsha might not be the central focus, but it highlights the broader social and familial issues that Japanese-American couples have faced.
7. Cold Case
Cold Case
The Philadelphia homicide squad’s lone female detective finds her calling when she’s assigned “cold cases,” older crimes that have never been solved.
Genres
Cop Drama Police Procedural Whodunnit Crime Mystery Thriller Whodunnit| Released Date | September 28, 2003 |
| Casts | Kathryn Morris Danny Pino John Finn |
| Creator | Meredith Stiehm |
| Director | Alex Zakrzewski Kevin Bray Paris Barclay |
Meredith Stiehm created Cold Case, an American police procedural drama television series on CBS from September 28, 2003, to May 2, 2010.
It has 7 seasons and revolves around a fictionalized Philadelphia Police Department division specializing in investigating cold cases.
In the first five episodes, Kathryn Morris portrayed Detective Lilly Rush, partnered with Detective Chris Lassing, played by Justin Chambers.
Later, she paired with Detective Scotty Valens, portrayed by Danny Pino, for the remaining series.
Although Patti Yasutake only appeared in a single episode, she left a remarkable impression. In 2007, she portrayed Barbara Takahashi.
Cold Case‘s each episode focuses on a single investigation.
6. Star Trek: First Contact
Star Trek: First Contact
The Borg traveled back in time to prevent Earth’s first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reach warp speed.
Genres
Time Travel Action Adventure Drama Sci-Fi Thriller| Released Date | November 22, 1996 |
| Casts | Patrick Stewart Jonathan Frakes Brent Spiner |
| Writers | Gene Roddenberry Rick Berman Brannon Braga |
| Director | Jonathan Frakes |
Jonathan Frakes directed Star Trek: First Contact, an American science fiction film released on November 22, 1996.
It follows the crew of the USS Enterprise-E as they travel back in time to stop the cybernetic Borg from conquering Earth by altering the past.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew are ordered to patrol the Romulan Neutral Zone to avoid interference with a Borg attack on Earth in the 24th century.
However, he disobeys orders when it becomes clear that the Federation is losing the battle and engages the Borg.
Patti Yasutake reprised her role as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa, a character she portrayed in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
She assists Dr. Beverly Crusher in the sick bay, providing medical care and support to the crew during the Borg attack. Her role adds depth to the medical team on the USS Enterprise-E.
She is a reliable medical officer who helps people safely during chaotic events.
5. ER
ER
The doctors who work in the ER at the County General Hospital in Chicago grapple with ups and downs in their personal and professional lives while trying to give apt medical care to their patients.
Genres
Medical Drama Drama Romance| Released Date | September 19, 1994 |
| Casts | Anthony Edwards George Clooney Julianna Margulies |
| Creator | Michael Crichton |
| Directors | Christopher Chulack Jonathan Kaplan Richard Thorpe |
Michael Crichton created ER, an American medical drama television series aired on NBC from September 19, 1994, to April 2, 2009.
The plot follows the inner story of the emergency room (ER) of Cook County General Hospital, a fictionalized version of the real Cook County Hospital in Chicago.
It shows the lives of the doctors, nurses, and staff as they navigate the ER’s intense and chaotic environment, delving into professional challenges and personal struggles.
Patti Yasutake appeared in a single episode in 2003, portraying the role of Kito. Her guest appearance brought depth to her character and the series’ diverse cast.
ER is one of the longest-running and best medical dramas in television history. It has 15 seasons and 331 episodes.
It has grossed over $3 billion in television revenue and won 127 awards from 440 nominations.
4. Beef
Beef
Two people let a road rage incident burrow into their minds and slowly consume their every thought and action.
Genres
Dark Comedy Drama Comedy| Released Date | April 6, 2023 |
| Casts | Steven Yeun Ali Wong Joseph Lee |
| Creator | Lee Sung Jin |
| Directors | Jake Schreier Hikari Lee Sung Jin |
Korean-American director Lee Sung Jin created Beef, an American comedy-drama television miniseries for Netflix.
It revolves around Danny Cho, played by Steven Yeun, and Amy Lau, played by Ali Wong, whose lives become entangled after a road rage incident.
Danny plays a struggling contractor, while Amy is a successful entrepreneur.
Their road rage escalates into a prolonged feud, increasing chaotic situations and highlighting the destructive power of unresolved anger.
Patti Yasutake portrayed the role of Fumi Nakai, the mother of Amy’s stay-at-home husband, George Nakai.
Beef explores anger, revenge, struggles, and the lengths people go for retribution. It won 8 awards at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards and 3 nominations at the 81st Golden Globe Awards.
3. Boston Legal
Boston Legal
Boston Legal is a spin-off of the long-running David E. Kelley series The Practice (1997). It follows the exploits of former Practice character Alan Shore (James Spader) at the legal firm of Crane, Poole, and Schmidt.
Genres
Legal Drama Comedy Crime Drama| Released Date | October 3, 2004 |
| Casts | James Spader William Shatner Candice Bergen |
| Creator | David E. Kelley |
| Directors | Mike Listo Bill D’Elia Robert Yannetti |
Boston native former lawyer David E. Kelley created an American legal and comedy-drama television series, Boston Legal, in association with 20th Century Fox Television for ABC.
It is a spin-off of the show The Practice, following the lives of the attorneys at the high-end law firm Crane, Poole & Schmidt in Boston.
James Spader’s character, Alan Shore, is known for his ethically questionable methods and sharp wit. He often teams up with Denny Crane, obsessed with his reputation.
Despite their differences, they share a deep friendship and often end their days reflecting together on the firm’s balcony.
Patti Yasutake played the role of Dr. Claire Simon, a medical professional, in the second season episode There’s Fire.
Her character provides medical expertise and contributes to the legal cases handled by Crane, Poole & Schmidt attorneys.
Boston Legal aired from 2004 to 2008 and blended legal drama with humor. It tackled civil and criminal cases and explored its characters’ personal and professional lives.
2. Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Almost 100 years after Captain Kirk’s 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the USS Enterprise-D to go where no one has before.
Genres
Space Sci-Fi Action Adventure Drama Sci-Fi| Released Date | September 28, 1987 |
| Casts | Patrick Stewart Brent Spiner Jonathan Frakes |
| Creator | Gene Roddenberry |
| Directors | Cliff Bole Les Landau Winrich Kolbe |
Gene Roddenberry created the American science fiction series Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), the third series in the Star Trek franchise, inspired by Star Trek: The Original Series.
It follows the adventures of a Starfleet starship when Earth was a part of the United Federation of Planets.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard commands the adventures of the starship USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) and explores the Alpha and Beta quadrants of the Milky Way galaxy, encountering new life forms and civilizations.
Patti Yasutake appeared as a competent and skilled medical officer, Nurse Alyssa Ogawa, who worked closely with Dr. Beverly Crusher in the ship’s sickbay.
Her role was introduced as a background character in the episode Future Imperfect in 1990 but gradually expanded over the series.
She appeared in 16 episodes and is known for her professionalism, compassion, and loyalty, often providing support and friendship to Dr. Crusher.
Her character represented an essential step in showcasing diversity and a positive role for Asians in the Star Trek universe.
1. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Two larger-than-life heroes, Ichiban, Kasuga, and Kazuma Kiryu, are brought together by fate or something sinister. Live it up in Japan and explore all Hawaii has to offer in an RPG adventure so big it spans the Pacific.
Genres
Action Adventure Crime Drama| Released Date | January 26, 2024 |
| Casts | Kazuhiro Nakaya Takaya Kuroda Ken Yasuda |
| Writers | Tsuyoshi Furuta Kazunobu Takeuchi Masayoshi Yokoyama |
| Directors | Ryosuke Horii Yutaka Ito Nobuaki Mitake |
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio developed a role-playing video game, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which Sega published on January 26, 2024.
It is the ninth mainline entry in the Like a Dragon series, a direct sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon and a spin-off of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.
It follows Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu as dual protagonists and features an open world with locations in Yokohama, Tokyo, and Honolulu.
After losing his job due to a viral video, Ichiban travels to Honolulu, Hawaii, to find his birth mother. Meanwhile, Kazuma, battling cancer, joins Ichiban in his quest.
Patti Yasutake voices the character Akane Kishida in the English dub.
Akane is a significant character in the game, contributing to the storyline with her unique background and interactions with the gameplay’s main characters.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth allows characters to move freely during combat and perform strategic attacks based on their positioning.
Conclusion
Patti Yasutake said her acting would keep her young forever. She thought it was pretty cool that people would still watch her old episodes even if she was gone.
She was known for her versatile roles, and her daring choices graced movies and television series.
The American stage and television actress blessed the television screen with her remarkable acting skills for almost 4 decades.
