R.I.P. Kenneth Mitchell: ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ And ‘Captain Marvel’ Star Dead At 49

Kenneth Mitchell, the actor best known for his roles in Star Trek: Discovery and Captain Marvel, has died. He was 49.

Mitchell died on Saturday (Feb. 24) following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to an obituary his family posted to his social media page. The neurodegenerative disease breaks down muscles and, in many cases, eventually leaves those affected unable to speak, eat, move and breathe, per the ALS Association.

“For five and a half years Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS,” his family wrote. “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. He lived by the principles that each day is a gift and that we never walk alone.”

Born in Toronto, Canada in 1974, Mitchell is best known for his roles as Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik in Star Trek: Discovery. He also played Aurellio, a character whose wheelchair-like device allowed Mitchell to continue acting amid his real-life struggles with ALS. The actor further voiced several characters in a 2020 episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks.

From 2006 to 2008, Mitchell starred as Eric Green in the post-apocalyptic drama series Jericho, before landing a recurring role on the CBS supernatural series Ghost Whisperer. Mitchell later acted in the Freeform teen drama Switched at Birth as well as the CW’s mystery series Nancy Drew.

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Mitchell also made appearances in several films such as The Recruit (2003) starring Al Pacino and Colin Farrell, and Miracle (2004) starring Kurt Russell. His final big-screen project before his death was the 2019 MCU flick Captain Marvel, in which he played Carol Danvers’ (Brie Larson) father.

“Kenny was the 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,” his obituary reads. “Once captured, Kenny could bathe you in positivity, compassion, thoughtfulness, and hilarity, and make you feel so loved.”

Mitchell is survived by his wife Susan and their children Lilah and Kallum, along with his parents.