‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and ‘Captain Marvel’ Star Kenneth Mitchell Dead at 49

On Saturday, actor Kenneth Mitchell, known for his roles in “Star Trek: Discovery” and “Captain Marvel,” passed away at the age of 49, following a five-year battle with ALS. 

“With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend,” his family wrote in a statement shared via X and Instagram Sunday. 

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

Mitchell’s loved ones noted that his favorite role of all was that of a family man, being known to his friends as “Susan’s partner, and more than anything else, a proud father.” 

“Ken was diligent and hardworking in everything he did, but as a father these traits found their fullest expression. He was extremely dedicated to being a positive and playful force in the lives of his children,” the statement wrote. “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.”

In 2018, Mitchell was diagnosed with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. 

Mitchell began using a wheelchair by 2019 and went public with his health struggles in 2020. 

“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 in 2020. “We grieved and mourned really hard. There was so much unknown.”

Mitchell played the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, Tenavik and Aurellio on “Star Trek: Discovery” and also served as a voice actor for several characters in an episode of “Star Trek: Lower Decks” and played Carol Danvers’ father in “Captain Marvel.”

“The entire Star Trek family sends their condolences to Mitchell’s family, friends, loved ones, and fans around the world,” a statement read in part on StarTrek.com. 

Mitchell leaves behind his wife and their two children, Lilah and Kallum. 

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