Star Trek actor Kenneth Mitchell has passed away at the age of 49 after a valiant five-year struggle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), his family confirmed in a statement.
Kenneth Mitchell, renowned for his roles in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and Marvel’s ‘Captain Marvel,’ faced ALS with incredible strength, passing away on February 25, 2024. The actor was diagnosed with a debilitating neurological disease in August 2018, and he courageously shared periodic updates about his health with fans.
Mitchell’s family released a heartfelt statement on his verified social media: “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son, and dear friend.” The family expressed admiration for Mitchell’s resilience in the face of ALS, stating, “For five and a half years, Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS. Moreover, in truest Ken fashion, he rose above each one with grace and commitment to living a full and joyous life in each moment.”
View this post on Instagram
Born in Toronto on November 25, 1974, Mitchell amassed over 50 film and television credits during his illustrious career. His notable roles include playing the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, Tenavik, and Aurellio in ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’ He also portrayed the father of Carol Danvers in Marvel’s 2019 blockbuster ‘Captain Marvel.’
In August 2018, Mitchell publicly shared his ALS diagnosis and marked the fifth anniversary of the diagnosis in an Instagram post in August 2023. Despite the challenges, he reflected on the gift of life and expressed gratitude for the support from friends, family, caregivers, and doctors.
Mitchell’s family described him as a “hope seeker, daydreamer, dream believer, soccer player, beach walker, bear hugger, landscape designer, garden grower, canoe paddler, happy camper, nature explorer, cat lover, infectious laughter, gift giver,” among many other qualities.
His co-stars and friends remembered Mitchell fondly, with Anthony Rapp, his co-star in ‘Star Trek: Discovery,’ acknowledging Mitchell’s impact on others. “This wonderful man brightened the lives of so many,” Rapp shared on his Instagram story. Fellow Canadian actor Donal Logue described Mitchell as a “beautiful and sweet man, talented actor, great athlete, and golden human being.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Mitchell’s family, emphasizing that “Ken was loved by so many,” Now it is the community’s turn to support the family he left behind. Mitchell is survived by his wife, Susan May Pratt, and their two children, Lilah and Kallum.
Other POP! stories that you might like:
IFPI declares ‘FML’ by SEVENTEEN as the biggest-selling album worldwide of 2023
K-pop idol Lucas makes his return with documentary ‘Freeze,’ K-pop stans aren’t pleased
Renowned HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent passes away at 39
Bobi, once ‘World’s Oldest Dog,’ loses title; opportunity opens for new enthusiasts
