Actor Kenneth Mitchell — known for his roles in “Star Trek: Discovery” and “Captain Marvel” — died on Saturday at age 49 following a five-year battle with ALS.
“With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend,” his family wrote in a statement shared via X and Instagram Sunday.
“Ken was widely known as an actor in many films and television shows,” the statement continued. “He’s portrayed an Olympic hopeful, an apocalypse survivor, an astronaut, a superhero’s dad, and four unique Star Trekkers.”
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Mitchell’s loved ones noted that his favorite role of all, however, was a family man, thriving as a husband to his wife, Susan, and relishing in raising their two children, Lilah and Kallum.
“Ken was diligent and hardworking in everything he did, but as a father these traits found their fullest expression. He was extremely dedicated to being a positive and playful force in the lives of his children,” the statement explained.
“Regardless of his later disabilities, Ken discovered a higher calling to be more fully himself for his kids. Ken will be forever proud of who his children have become.”
Mitchell was diagnosed with ALS — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord — in 2018.
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He began using a wheelchair by 2019 and went public with his health struggles in 2020.
“I do remember there was something really simple and beautiful in a way, how my wife and I were in the trenches together, and how we from this moment on we’re having to deal with something so severe that was going to affect our lives forever,” he told People that year of discovering his diagnosis.
“We grieved and mourned really hard. There was so much unknown.”
“Star Trek” fans are now mourning the loss of Mitchell, who played the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, Tenavik and Aurellio on “Star Trek: Discovery,” and also served as a voice actor for several characters in an episode of “Star Trek: Lower Decks.”
“The entire Star Trek family sends their condolences to Mitchell’s family, friends, loved ones, and fans around the world,” a statement read in part on StarTrek.
