Actor Kenneth Mitchell, renowned for his roles in “Star Trek,” passed away at the age of 49 due to complications from ALS, as confirmed by StarTrek.com.
Mitchell battled ALS for over five years, facing significant challenges with resilience and a commitment to embracing life, as stated in a message on his Instagram account. Despite the difficulties, he embraced each day as a gift and lived by the principle of never walking alone.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects nerve cells controlling muscle function in the body, leading to their degeneration and loss, according to the CDC. In the United States, over 30,000 individuals are estimated to be living with ALS, with approximately 5,000 new diagnoses annually. The average life expectancy after symptom onset ranges from two to five years.
In August, Mitchell shared insights into his ALS journey on Instagram, reflecting on the challenges and blessings experienced over the past five years. He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of friends, family, caregivers, and medical professionals.
Mitchell disclosed his ALS diagnosis in a 2020 interview with PEOPLE, describing the moment as surreal and akin to a scene from a movie. Despite his health challenges, Mitchell continued to pursue acting roles, notably portraying Klingons and other characters in “Star Trek: Discovery” and lending his voice to characters in “Star Trek: Lower Decks.”
His acting credits also include appearances in “Jericho,” “The Astronaut Wives Club,” “Miracle,” and “Captain Marvel.”
In a poignant Instagram tribute, Mitchell was remembered as a dreamer, nature enthusiast, cat lover, and, above all, a devoted father.
He is survived by his parents, wife, and two children. Mitchell requested that donations in his memory be directed towards ALS research or in support of his children, according to StarTrek.com.
