Current:Home > InvestKenneth Mitchell, 'Star Trek: Discovery' actor, dies after battle with ALS-VaTradeCoin
Kenneth Mitchell, 'Star Trek: Discovery' actor, dies after battle with ALS
lotradecoin KYC verification process View Date:2024-12-25 23:04:16
Kenneth Mitchell, an actor who appeared in shows like "Star Trek: Discovery" and "Jericho," has died following a battle with ALS. He was 49.
Mitchell's death was confirmed on Sunday in a statement shared to his verified Instagram page. "With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend," the post said.
Mitchell portrayed multiple characters in various episodes of "Star Trek: Discovery," including a Klingon named Kol, and voiced characters on the animated series "Star Trek: Lower Decks." He also starred as Eric Green on CBS' "Jericho," and in the 2019 Marvel film "Captain Marvel," he played Joseph Danvers, father of Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), in a flashback scene.
In 2020, Mitchell revealed he had been diagnosed with ALS two years earlier. In an interview with People at the time, he said he had been using a wheelchair since 2019 and was diagnosed in 2018 after he began experiencing twitching in his muscles.
"The moment that they told us it was (ALS), it was like I was in my own movie," Mitchell said. "That's what it felt like, like I was watching that scene where someone is being told that they have a terminal illness. It was just a complete disbelief, a shock."
What is ALSthe rare disease making it 'impossible' for Roberta Flack to sing?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS, is a nervous system disease that "affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord" and causes loss of muscle control, according to the Mayo Clinic.
One of the "Star Trek" characters Mitchell played was Aurellio, who used a hovercraft chair. In an Instagram post in 2021, the actor said he was "incredibly grateful for the inclusion." He described this role as "a reminder that despite one's disabilities there is always room for possibility & ability."
In 2022, he also appeared in the FX series "The Old Man" as a character created for him.
Mitchell is survived by his wife, Susan, and their two children. He previously told People that after his diagnosis, his focus became spending as much time with his family as possible, including giving up a television lead role that would require him to move.
"For five and a half years Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS," the statement shared on his social media said. "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."
The statement concluded: "His life is a shining example of how full one can be when you live with love, compassion, humour, inclusion, and community."
A new ALS drugextends patients' lives by months, giving hope for those facing such a 'brutal illness'
veryGood! (23)
Related
- Syrian rebel leader says he will dissolve toppled regime forces, close prisons
- Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to kick off fundraising effort for Ohio women’s suffrage monument
- Florida Man Arrested for Cold Case Double Murder Almost 50 Years Later
- 'Red One' review: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans embark on a joyless search for Santa
- Southern California forecast of cool temps, calm winds to help firefighters battle Malibu blaze
- Inter Miami's MLS playoff failure sets stage for Messi's last act, Alexi Lalas says
- Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow's Son Moses Martin Reveals His Singing Talents at Concert
- Ex-Marine misused a combat technique in fatal chokehold of NYC subway rider, trainer testifies
- The Sundance Film Festival unveils its lineup including Jennifer Lopez, Questlove and more
- RHOBH's Erika Jayne Reveals Which Team She's on Amid Kyle Richards, Dorit Kemsley Feud
Ranking
- This house from 'Home Alone' is for sale. No, not that one.
- Don't Miss Cameron Diaz's Return to the Big Screen Alongside Jamie Foxx in Back in Action Trailer
- High-scoring night in NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo explodes for 59, Victor Wembanyama for 50
- Man who stole and laundered roughly $1B in bitcoin is sentenced to 5 years in prison
- Drew Barrymore Addresses Criticism Over Her Touchiness With Talk Show Guests
- The Daily Money: All about 'Doge.'
- West Virginia expands education savings account program for military families
- New York races to revive Manhattan tolls intended to fight traffic before Trump can block them
Recommendation
-
Luigi Mangione's Lawyer Speaks Out in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case
-
Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn is ending her retirement at age 40 to make a skiing comeback
-
High-scoring night in NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo explodes for 59, Victor Wembanyama for 50
-
'Survivor' 47, Episode 9: Jeff Probst gave players another shocking twist. Who went home?
-
See Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon's Twins Monroe and Moroccan Gift Her Flowers Onstage
-
Only 8 monkeys remain free after more than a week outside a South Carolina compound
-
Bridgerton's Luke Newton Details His Physical Transformation for Season 3's Leading Role
-
Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to kick off fundraising effort for Ohio women’s suffrage monument