Kenneth Mitchell, an actor known for roles in 'Star Trek: Discovery' and 'Captain Marvel' and the husband of 'Center Stage' actress Susan May Pratt, died at 49.
The actor suddenly passed away on February 24 in Los Angeles after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
Kenneth Mitchell Dies at 49
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 08: (L-R) Dan Shotz, Kenneth Mitchell and Jonathan E. Steinberg attend FX's "The Old Man" Season 1 LA Tastemaker Event at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on June 08, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
According to an obituary posted on his Instagram on February 25, Mitchell is survived by his wife, son Kallum, daughter Lilah, parents, brother, and other family members.
"Ken was diligent and hardworking in everything he did, but as a father, these traits found their fullest expression," it read. "He was extremely dedicated to being a positive and playful force in the lives of his children. Regardless of his later disabilities, Ken discovered a higher calling to be more fully himself for his kids."
An essay titled "Connect," written by Mitchell himself, was also included in the obituary.
Mitchell shared in the essay that he wants to become a tree, a Ginko, White pine, Jacaranda, Lemon, Cedar, Oak, Myrtle, or Maple when he dies. He said that he wanted to be buried under the roots so he could soak up all his matter, energy, love, laughter, and tears, and he wanted to reach up through the branches and feel the night sky.
The actor has used a wheelchair since 2019 after he was diagnosed with ALS, a neurological condition that causes muscle loss and paralysis. Furthermore, the obituary stated that Mitchell had faced a series of awful challenges from ALS for five and a half years.
His friends and colleagues said in some obituaries that Mitchell lived by the principles that each day is a gift and that they never walked alone. They continued that his life is a shining example of how full one can be when one lives with love, compassion, humor, inclusion, and community.
Ethan Peck, who plays Spock on 'Star Trek: Discovery,' commented on the obituary, using an emoji of the Vulcans' "Live Long and Prosper" hand gesture, that he was just thinking of him and wished him peace.
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Mitchell's Acting Career
Toronto native Mitchell debuted as an actor in the early 2000s, starring in 'Leap Year' on Showtime. Later, he portrayed Sam Lucas in 'Ghost Whisperer' and Eric Green in 'Jericho.'
In 2019, he was featured in 'Captain Marvel' and 'Nancy Drew' on The CW.
He started to appear in 'Star Trek: Discovery' between 2017 and 2021, playing four roles as Klingons Kol, Kol's father Kol-Sha, and Tenavik. Later, when he started to suffer from ALS, he played the human character Aurellio, who used a hoverchair or wheelchair-like device.
Furthermore, he portrayed several roles in the animated series 'Star Trek: Lower Decks.' He occasionally appeared at 'Star Trek' fan gatherings during his time on the franchise.
The last time Mitchell was seen on TV was in a recurring role on the FX series 'The Old Man,' which stars Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow.
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