Acclaimed ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Actor Kenneth Mitchell Succumbs to ALS Complications at 49
Kenneth Mitchell, renowned for his versatile roles on “Star Trek: Discovery,” passed away on Saturday at the age of 49 due to complications arising from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Mitchell’s official Instagram page released a statement acknowledging his valiant battle against ALS over the last five and a half years. The statement highlighted Mitchell’s resilience, grace, and commitment in the face of the challenges posed by the debilitating condition. It emphasized his philosophy of living each day as a gift and facing life’s trials with unwavering strength.
In “Star Trek: Discovery,” Mitchell portrayed various Klingon characters, including Kol, Kol-Sha, Tenavik, and Aurellio. He also lent his voice to several characters in an episode of “Star Trek: Lower Decks.” Mitchell’s diverse acting career included notable roles such as portraying Carol Danvers’ father in “Captain Marvel” and an Olympic hopeful in “Miracle.” His filmography further includes appearances in “Jericho,” “The Astronaut Wives Club,” “Ghost Whisperer,” and “Switched at Birth.”
The actor publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in 2020, sharing the news with People. Mitchell had been using a wheelchair since 2019, and in interviews, he spoke about accepting the challenges with grace and finding beauty in the experience.
Reflecting on his journey, Mitchell once said, “You have a choice. You can look at this in many different ways, but maybe try to look at this like a gift where you get to experience life in a way that most people don’t.”
Mitchell also disclosed that he had to relinquish a lead role in a television show in 2020 due to the demands of ALS. Despite his initial desire for the responsibility of being the lead, he acknowledged that it was not the right path to pursue given the circumstances.
Kenneth Mitchell’s legacy lives on through his impactful contributions to the entertainment industry, and he will be remembered for his talent, resilience, and positive outlook in the face of adversity.