Kenneth Mitchell, the Canadian actor renowned for his work in popular series like Jericho and Star Trek: Discovery, and who also appeared in Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel, has died at the age of 49.
Mitchell passed away from complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, which was diagnosed five years earlier.
His family confirmed the news through a statement that highlighted a courageous fight against the illness since the diagnosis in 2018.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son, and dear friend”, the release began, noting that “over the past five years and a half, Ken faced a series of daunting challenges brought on by ALS.”
“In true Ken fashion, he met every obstacle with character and commitment, choosing to live fully and joyfully in each moment. His life serves as a radiant example of what it means to live with love, compassion, humor, inclusion, and community. Ken was an inspiring work of art for all the hearts he touched”, the statement concluded.
In a candid 2020 interview with People magazine, Mitchell spoke about his ALS diagnosis, a condition he had faced since 2018. Despite tough circumstances, he sought to endure with resilience, even using a wheelchair in 2019 while continuing to pursue his passion for acting.
Born on November 24, 1974, in Toronto, Canada, Mitchell built a career spanning more than fifty acting credits. He appeared in franchises beloved by fans, including Star Trek and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Captain Marvel, he portrayed Joseph Danvers, the father of the film’s protagonist, during flashback sequences featuring Brie Larson.
On Star Trek: Discovery, Mitchell inhabited a range of characters across multiple seasons, including Kol, Kol-Sha, Tenavik, and Aurellio. Notably, the role of Aurellio was adapted to accommodate the real-life use of a personal wheelchair, reflecting the actor’s own experience and adding a layer of authenticity to the portrayal.