Kenneth Mitchell, known for Star Trek and Captain Marvel, passes away

Kenneth Mitchell, known for his portrayal of several characters in Star Trek: Discovery as well as roles in Captain Marvel and Jericho has passed away following complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. He was 49.

The news of his death was confirmed by his family. “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend,” the family’s statement read.

"He's portrayed an Olympic hopeful, an apocalypse survivor, an astronaut, a superhero's dad, and four unique Star Trekkers. But to those close to him, he was known as a hope seeker, daydreamer, dream believer, soccer player, beach walker, bear hugger, landscape designer, garden grower, canoe paddler, happy camper, nature explorer, cat lover, infectious laugher, gift giver, note sender, movie goer, art maker, music listener, sports connoisseur, detailed particular, Leaf's supporter, world traveller, uncle joker, younger brother, Susan's partner, and more than anything else, a proud father," they added on Instagram.

Mitchell was diagnosed with ALS in 2018. He and his family shared periodic updates about his health in recent years. Speaking about his diagnosis in an interview with People in 2020, he said, "The moment that they told us it was [ALS], it was like I was in my own movie. 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."

Born in Toronto on Nov. 25, 1974, Mitchell booked his first studio film portraying professional ice hockey player Ralph Cox in Disney’s 2004 Miracle. He later played mayor-turned-sheriff Eric Green on CBS’ Jericho, his first series regular role, starting in 2006. Most recently, he played Joe in FX/Hulu’s The Old Man in 2022.

The Star Trek franchise and the cast and crew mourned the death of the actor who played multiple roles in Star Trek: Discovery including Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik, as well as Aurellio.

Mitchell is survived by his wife, Susan, and their two young children.