Statement From East West Players on the Passing of Patti Yasutake
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE • LOS ANGELES, CA
Statement From East West Players on the Passing of Patti Yasutake
August 15, 2024, Los Angeles, CA | It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Patti Yasutake, a beloved member of the East West Players family, who died at the age of 70 after a journey with cancer.
Patti's remarkable career began right here at East West Players, where she spent six incredible years working alongside our founding Artistic Director, Mako. Patti's contributions helped shape EWP into the organization it is today. Her work onstage, as part of staff, and as part of the Board showed her clear dedication to the arts and the AAPI community. We were honored to have her grace our stage one last time as the strong, stalwart mother M'Lynn Eatenton in Steel Magnolias (2014).
Her remarkable career and legacy spanned both on stage and on screen. She represented demonized Japanese auto workers and their families in 1986's Gung Ho, ignited imaginations of Asian Americans who saw themselves represented in the future of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and brought great humanity as the mother-in-law of Ali Wong’s character, Amy, in the groundbreaking miniseries, Beef, on Netflix. In all her roles, Patti brought a grounded sobriety and thoughtfulness to her craft and her characters.
Acclaimed actor and frequent EWP artist Gedde Watanabe shared, “Patti and I met on Gung Ho, a film directed by the great Ron Howard. She beautifully portrayed Umeki, my wife both in the movie and in the [subsequent TV] series. It was groundbreaking at a time where roles for AAPI artists were rare and few. I will cherish those times we shared together. Peace in your heart Patti, a place you now have in abundance.”
To honor Patti's memory, a memorial service will be held at East West Players in the David Henry Hwang Theater and Aratani Courtyard on Sunday, August 25th. We invite all who loved and respected Patti to attend this service in celebration of her life. For more information and to RSVP, please email pattiyasutakememorial@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, Patti's family kindly requests that contributions be made to East West Players. Donations can be made at https://ewp.my.salesforce-sites.com/donate/?dfId=a0uUf0000014tTZIAY
Patti left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. Her passion, talent, and commitment to supporting artists and building community will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed by all of us at East West Players and by everyone whose lives she touched.