Kenneth Mitchell, an actor who appeared in the series 鈥淪tar Trek: Discovery鈥� and Marvel鈥檚 鈥淐aptain Marvel,鈥� has died, his family announced in a statement shared on his verified social media Sunday.
He was 49.
鈥淲ith heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend,鈥� the family鈥檚 statement read.
Mitchell was diagnosed with ALS in 2018. He and his family shared periodic updates about his health in recent years. In August, Mitchell marked the fifth anniversary of his diagnosis in a post on Instagram.
鈥淢y brother humorously mentioned that they don鈥檛 really have a happy ALS Anniversary card in the shop. However, I want to celebrate today; the gift of life. I鈥檓 so thankful to have this day in front of me. It鈥檚 been a long 5 years. So much lost, so much gained. Incredibly hard times, mixed with so many more blessings,鈥� Mitchell wrote at the time.
鈥淎t the heart of it all are friends and family, caregivers and doctors coming to the aid of my family over and over and over again. Giving a plethora of support and love and care and encouragement. There is so much beauty in that. This disease is absolutely horrific鈥et despite all the suffering, there is so much to be grateful for.鈥�
A native of Canada, Mitchell acquired more than 50 film and television credits over the course of his acting career. He played the father of Carol Danvers in Marvel鈥檚 2019 鈥淐aptain Marvel,鈥� and an Olympic hopeful in the 2004 hockey film 鈥淢iracle.鈥� Mitchell appeared in dozens of TV series, including 鈥淛ericho,鈥� 鈥淭he Astronaut Wives Club鈥� and 鈥淪witched at Birth.鈥�
From 2017 - 2021, Mitchell played the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik, as well as Aurellio, in 鈥淪tar Trek: Discovery.鈥�
鈥淲hether someone is good or bad is all about perspective, and it鈥檚 about understanding that culture,鈥� he told StarTrek.com in 2017. 鈥淵ou鈥檒l get to know the Klingons on our show, and then people can decide if we really are the villains.鈥�
Beyond his acting roles, Mitchell was remembered by those close to him as a 鈥渉ope seeker, daydreamer, dream believer.鈥� In his family鈥檚 statement, they expressed their admiration for the strength Mitchell showed as he lived with illness.
鈥淩egardless of his later disabilities, Ken discovered a higher calling to be more fully himself for his kids,鈥� they wrote.
鈥淔or 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.
Mitchell is survived by his wife, Susan, and their two young children.
