Canadian actor Kenneth Mitchell, finest identified for his roles in Star Trek: Discovery and Captain Marvel, has died over 5 years after being recognized with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 49.
The Toronto-born Mitchell died on Saturday, based on an announcement shared to his social media accounts the next day.
“With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend to many,” the obituary learn.
“For five and a half years Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS. 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.”
As effectively as a gifted actor, the assertion mentioned these closest to Mitchell knew him as “a hope seeker,” “bear hugger,” a “Leafs fan” and “a proud father.”
The official Star Trek franchise additionally launched a assertion honouring Mitchell on Sunday. The franchise wrote that Mitchell’s portrayal of the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha and Tenavik introduced “a new perspective on Klingon culture to fans.”
“The entire Star Trek family sends their condolences to Mitchell’s family, friends, loved ones, and fans around the world,” the announcement concluded.
Mitchell was recognized with ALS — a degenerative motor neuron illness — in 2018, although he continued to behave till 2022.
In a 2020 interview with People journal, Mitchell mentioned he may now not cover his analysis, partly as a result of he used a wheelchair.
He revealed he was recognized after experiencing fixed muscle twitching, which he thought may have been a pinched nerve or a number of sclerosis (MS). Mitchell mentioned studying that he had ALS was “a complete disbelief, a shock.”
Mitchell instructed People he wished to assist carry extra public consciousness to ALS.
“I think there’s something I can offer and I want to be a part of that,” he mentioned. “If I can encourage one particular person that will imply quite a bit to me.
“I can’t hide it anymore. I thought instead of shielding myself away in my home, which, if that’s your choice that’s fine, too. I wouldn’t make any judgment on anyone. I don’t think anyone would on me. But, I just feel like it’s time that I get out there and be a voice.”
One of Mitchell’s Star Trek characters, Aurellio, additionally used a wheelchair onscreen — although it was of the futuristic, hovercraft selection. In an Instagram submit from 2021, the actor thanked audiences for the “warm reception to this new character.”
“It was a special collaboration with my Discovery family that injected me with heaps of Love & Inspiration during my tough battle with ALS,” he wrote. “A reminder that despite ones [sic] disabilities there is always room for possibility & ability. Incredibly grateful for the inclusion.”
Mitchell’s obituary included a poem penned by the actor a couple of want to be buried below and absorbed by a mighty tree.
“When I die, when I leave this Life, I want to become a tree, a Ginkgo, White pine, Jacaranda, Lemon, Cedar, Oak, Myrtle or Maple,” he wrote. “I want to be buried under the roots so I can be soaked up, all my matter, my energy, my love, my laughter, my tears and I want to reach up through the branches and touch the night sky.”
He performed a number of completely different roles throughout quite a few episodes within the Star Trek: Discovery franchise, specifically the Klingon warrior Kol-Sha, Tenavik and Aurellio. He additionally offered voice work for Star Trek: Lower Decks.
Outside of the Star Trek universe, Mitchell was finest identified for taking part in Joseph Danvers, the daddy of the titular superhero Captain Marvel, and Eric Green from the TV collection Jericho.
He is survived by his spouse, Susan, and their two youngsters, Lilah and Kallum. The actor’s household requested that any presents be “directed to ALS research or in support of his children.”
What is ALS?
ALS, additionally referred to as Lou Gehrig’s illness, triggers progressive paralysis as a result of the mind is now not in a position to talk with the movable muscle tissue of the physique. The illness is degenerative and causes somebody residing with ALS to ultimately lose the power to stroll, discuss, eat, swallow and later, breathe.
ALS just isn’t contagious, and there’s no one factor that causes the situation. There is not any remedy.
About 80 per cent of individuals with ALS die inside two to 5 years of being recognized, based on ALS Canada.
There are roughly 4,000 Canadians presently residing with ALS.
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.