Kenneth Mitchell, star of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, dead at 49 after battle with ALS

Jack Hobbs
·4 min read
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Kenneth Mitchell, who starred in the hit series “Star Trek: Discovery” and Marvel’s “Captain Marvel” movie reportedly died Sunday following a five-year battle with ALS. He was 49.

“With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend,” Mitchell’s family shared on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

“Ken was widely known as an actor in many films and television shows. He’s portrayed an Olympic hopeful, an apocalypse survivor, an astronaut, a superhero’s dad, and four unique Star Trekkers,” the statement continued.

Kenneth Mitchell, who starred in the hit series “Star Trek: Discovery” and Marvel’s “Captain Marvel” movie reportedly died Sunday following a five-year battle with ALS. Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images
Kenneth Mitchell, who starred in the hit series “Star Trek: Discovery” and Marvel’s “Captain Marvel” movie reportedly died Sunday following a five-year battle with ALS. Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images

“Ken was diligent and hardworking in everything he did, but as a father these traits found their fullest expression,” the statement 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.”

“Ken will be forever proud of who his children have become,” the statement concluded.

The Post reached out to Mitchell’s rep for comment.

According to the post, the Toronto actor, who was born on November 24, 1974, was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), sometimes known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2018.

“For 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,” his family wrote.

“Ken is forever grateful for the massive amounts of love and endless support he received from his community along this journey. Especially the courage, resilience and strength displayed from his extraordinary wife, family and friends.”

According to the post, the Toronto actor, who was born on Nov. 24, 1974, was diagnosed with ALS, sometimes known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2018. Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
According to the post, the Toronto actor, who was born on Nov. 24, 1974, was diagnosed with ALS, sometimes known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2018. Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Mitchell was described by his loved ones as “a keeper of countless enduring friendships. Like a massive star exploding with kindness, purity and a particular brand of silly, you were pulled right into his orbit. Once captured, Kenny could bathe you in positivity, compassion, thoughtfulness, and hilarity, and make you feel so loved.”

In 2020, the “Captain Marvel” actor went public with his diagnosis, expressing his “complete disbelief.”

“I do remember there was something really simple and beautiful in a way, how my wife and I were in the trenches together, and how we from this moment on we’re having to deal with something so severe that was going to affect our lives forever,” he told PEOPLE. “We grieved and mourned really hard. There was so much unknown.”

In 2020, the “Captain Marvel” actor went public with his diagnosis, expressing his “complete disbelief.” Araya Doheny/FilmMagic
In 2020, the “Captain Marvel” actor went public with his diagnosis, expressing his “complete disbelief.” Araya Doheny/FilmMagic
The “Astronaut Wives Club” actor is survived by his wife Susan, their children Lilah and Kallum as well as his parents, siblings and nieces and nephews. Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images
The “Astronaut Wives Club” actor is survived by his wife Susan, their children Lilah and Kallum as well as his parents, siblings and nieces and nephews. Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

“I think it, over time, became the theme of us accepting this with grace,” he said. “Trying to see the beauty in it, in a way. I’ll never forget, one of my ‘Star Trek’ costars told me, because they had dealt with some trying times with illnesses and stuff, and I remember them communicating to me, saying, ‘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.'”

Since the news of his death broke, several of the actor’s fans have taken to social media to express thier own grief.

“My sincerest condolences for your loss. I didn’t meet Ken but he clearly made both this universe and the Star Trek universe a better place. Thanks for sharing him with us,” one person posted on X.

Mitchell played the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik, as well as Aurellio, on “Star Trek: Discovery.” CBS
Mitchell played the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik, as well as Aurellio, on “Star Trek: Discovery.” CBS

“I’m so sorry. I was never fortunate enough to meet Kenneth, but everything I ever heard about him was overwhelmingly glowing,” a second person said while adding that it was “a profound loss.”

“You were the best Kenneth. I’ll miss you and love you forever. All my love to the Mitchell family,” a third person stated.

“Star Trek” also paid tribute to the late actor.

“StarTrek.com is deeply saddened to report the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, who played the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik, as well as Aurellio, on ‘Star Trek: Discovery,'” they wrote in a post. “The entire ‘Star Trek’ family sends their condolences to Mitchell’s family, friends, loved ones, and fans around the world.

The “Astronaut Wives Club” actor is survived by his wife Susan, their children Lilah and Kallum as well as his parents, siblings and nieces and nephews.