Kenneth Mitchell, a 49-year-old actor known for his roles in “Star Trek: Discovery” and Marvel’s “Captain Marvel,” has passed away after battling ALS since his diagnosis in 2018.
The news was shared by Mitchell’s family in a statement posted on his verified social media accounts on Sunday.
The family’s statement read, “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son, and dear friend.”
In August, Mitchell marked the fifth anniversary of his ALS diagnosis on Instagram, reflecting on the challenges and blessings of the past years.
He expressed gratitude for the support of friends, family, caregivers, and doctors who consistently aided his family throughout his battle with the disease.
Mitchell, a native of Canada, had an extensive acting career with over 50 film and television credits. His roles included playing the father of Carol Danvers in Marvel’s “Captain Marvel” (2019) and an Olympic hopeful in the 2004 hockey film “Miracle.”
From 2017 to 2021, Mitchell portrayed various Klingon characters, including Kol, Kol-Sha, Tenavik, and Aurellio, in “Star Trek: Discovery.”
In a 2017 interview with StarTrek.com, Mitchell reflected on the complexity of his Klingon characters, saying, “Whether someone is good or bad is all about perspective, and it’s about understanding that culture.
You’ll get to know the Klingons on our show, and then people can decide if we really are the villains.” Beyond his acting roles, Mitchell was remembered as a “hope seeker, daydreamer, dream believer.”
His family acknowledged his strength and commitment to living a full and joyous life despite the challenges posed by ALS.
“Regardless of his later disabilities, Ken discovered a higher calling to be more fully himself for his kids,” the family stated.
“For five and a half years Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS. And in truest Ken fashion, he managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment to living a full and joyous life in each moment.”
Kenneth Mitchell is survived by his wife, Susan, and their two young children.
Source-CNN
