Toronto, Ontario – Canadian actor Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, known for his roles on the series “Star Trek: Discovery,” sadly passed away at the age of 49 over the weekend.
His death was announced on Sunday through statements on the Star Trek website and his personal Instagram page. Mitchell had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for over five years, showcasing remarkable resilience and positivity in the face of his health challenges.
In “Star Trek: Discovery,” Mitchell portrayed various Klingon characters and the character Aurellio, who used a hovercraft wheelchair. He spoke fondly of the collaboration that led to Aurellio’s portrayal, which brought him much love and inspiration during his ALS battle.
Beyond his work on “Star Trek: Discovery,” Mitchell also appeared in the film “Captain Marvel” as Joseph Danvers and had roles in TV series like “Nancy Drew” and “The Detectives.”
In an emotional interview in 2020 with People, Mitchell opened up about his ALS diagnosis and how it felt like stepping into his own movie when he received the news. The degenerative neurological disease ALS affects nerve cells responsible for muscle function, leading to their deterioration and eventual death.
Last year, Mitchell shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the love and support he received during his five-year battle with ALS. Despite the hardships of his condition, he found beauty and things to be grateful for in life.
Born in Toronto on November 25, 1974, Mitchell is survived by his wife, actress Susan May Pratt, their two children, parents, a brother, and numerous family members and friends. His legacy as an actor and his bravery in the face of ALS will be remembered by many in the entertainment industry and beyond.