Star Trek actor Kenneth Mitchell has died aged 49 after a five-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, his family has confirmed.
Mitchell played the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha and Tenavik as well as Aurellio in Star Trek: Discovery and voiced several characters in an episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks.
Mitchell was born on November 25, 1974 in Toronto, Canada and has appeared in several films and television shows including Captain Marvel, Miracle, Jericho, The Astronaut Wives Club, Ghost Whisperer and Switched at Birth.
He is survived by his wife Susan May Pratt and their two children Lilah and Kallum.
“For five and a half years, Ken faced a series of terrible challenges caused by ALS. And in true Ken fashion, he managed to rise above everyone with grace and dedication to live a full and joyful life in every moment,” his family said in an obituary posted on his Instagram.
Star Trek actor Kenneth Mitchell has died aged 49 after a five-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, his family has confirmed
He is survived by his wife Susan May Pratt and their two children Lilah and Kallum
“To those close to him, he was known as a hope seeker, daydreamer, dream believer, soccer player, beach walker, bear lover, landscape architect, gardener, canoe paddler, cheerful camper, naturalist, cat lover, infectious laugher, and gift giver…”
“Sender of the note, moviegoer, artist, music listener, sports connoisseur, detailed detailer, Leafs supporter, world traveler, uncle joker, younger brother, Susan's partner and most of all a proud father.”
In 2017, in his role as Kol, he told StarTrek.com: “Whether someone is good or bad depends on perspective and it's about understanding that culture.”
“In our show you get to know the Klingons and then people can decide whether we really are the bad guys.”
Mitchell was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease in August 2018, began using a wheelchair in October 2019, and publicly revealed that he had the debilitating neurological disease in an interview with People in February 2020.
“The moment they told us [ALS]“It was like I was in my own movie,” he said.
Mitchell played the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha and Tenavik as well as Aurellio in Star Trek: Discovery and voiced several characters in an episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks
Mitchell has appeared in several films and television shows including Captain Marvel, Miracle, Jericho, The Astronaut Wives Club, Ghost Whisperer and Switched at Birth
“So it felt like I was watching the scene where someone is told they have a terminal illness.” It was just complete disbelief, shock.
Fellow Canadian actor Donal Logue said on Instagram: “I just heard that @mr_kenneth_mitchell has passed away. “What a beautiful and sweet man, talented actor, great athlete and golden human being.”
“I don’t know how people like Kenneth can handle life’s toughest challenges with the grace, strength and humility (and without an iota of self-pity) that Kenneth does. A true Canadian legend now freed from the bondage of this mortal coil.”
A GoFundMe page set up by his wife's friend, Carolyn Lewinsky, said: “Ken was loved by so many.” And for those of us lucky enough to be in his orbit, he was always a pillar of the Strength.”
“Now it’s our turn to be there for him by supporting the beautiful family he left behind.”