Star Trek’s Kenneth Mitchell dead at 49 after ALS battle
Kenneth Mitchell
Todd Williamson/Getty ImagesNancy drew And Star Trek: Discovery actor Kenneth Mitchell died after a five-year battle with ALS. He was 49.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend,” said a note on his X page read on Sunday February 25.
According to the obituary, Mitchell died a day earlier, on Saturday, February 24.
“Ken was widely known as an actor in many films and television shows,” the statement said. “He played an Olympic hopeful, an apocalypse survivor, an astronaut, a superhero father and four unique Star Trekkers. But to those close to him he was seen as a hope seeker, daydreamer, dream believer, football player, beach walker, bear hugger, landscape designer, garden grower… Susan’s partner, and above all, a proud father.’
Hollywood mourned many celebrities in 2024. Speed Racer star Christian Oliver (born Christian Klepser) died at the age of 51 in a fatal plane crash on January 5. Oliver was heading home from a Caribbean vacation with his two daughters — Madita and Annik, whom he shares with wife Jessica Klepser — on Jan. 4. […]
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Susan Mitchelland their two children: Lilah and Kallum.
“Ken was the keeper of countless friendships. Like a huge star exploding with kindness, purity and a certain kind of foolishness, you were pulled right into its orbit,” the X statement continued. “Once captured, Ken can bathe you in positivity, thoughtfulness and hilarity, and make you feel so loved.”
Kenneth Mitchell
Albert L. Ortega/Getty ImagesThe note continued: “Ken was diligent and hardworking in everything he did, but as a father these qualities were on full display. He was extremely committed to being a positive and playful force in the lives of his children.
Kenneth was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, or commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2018.
“For five and a half years, Ken faced a series of terrible challenges due to ALS. And in true Ken fashion, he managed to rise above each of them with grace and dedication to living a full and joyful life at every moment,” the obituary added. “He lived by the principle that every day is a gift and that we never walk alone. His life is a shining example of how full you can be when you live with love, compassion, humor, inclusivity and community.”
Kenneth continued to act after he received his diagnosis.
“Working on Lower decks It’s the last time I remember walking before I had to sit in a motorized wheelchair,” he previously said SyFy thread in 2020 of the Star Treks spinoff. “I remember walking up the stairs to get to the studio and recording booth, and I remember having a great time [showrunner] Mike [McMahan] and the team. And then I remember walking down the stairs, but having trouble getting down. But honestly, that’s my last memory of walking alone. And to let it be that way [my] last memory, it’s damn special.