Actor Kenneth Mitchell, recognized for his roles in “Star Trek,” passed away on Saturday at the age of 49, as reported by StarTrek.com.
More than five years ago, Mitchell was diagnosed with ALS, a neurodegenerative disease, as indicated in a statement shared on his Instagram page. Throughout these years, he confronted significant challenges due to the illness.
ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, impacts the nerve cells responsible for muscle movement throughout the body, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This condition results in the deterioration and eventual death of these nerve cells.
In the United States, over 30,000 individuals are estimated to be living with ALS, with around 5,000 new diagnoses annually. Typically, individuals with ALS survive two to five years following the onset of symptoms.
On August 10, Mitchell shared an Instagram post detailing his experiences living with ALS, expressing gratitude for the support received from friends, family, caregivers, and medical professionals.
Mitchell openly discussed his diagnosis in a 2020 interview with PEOPLE magazine.
Despite his diagnosis, Mitchell continued to pursue acting, portraying various characters, including Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik, as well as Aurellio, in “Star Trek: Discovery.” He also lent his voice to multiple characters in an episode of “Star Trek: Lower Decks.”
Additionally, Mitchell’s acting credits extend to television series such as “Jericho” and “The Astronaut Wives Club,” as well as film roles in “Miracle” and “Captain Marvel.”
In the announcement of his passing on Instagram, Mitchell was commemorated as a dreamer, nature enthusiast, cat lover, and, above all, a proud father.
He is survived by his parents, wife, and their two children. Mitchell requested that any contributions be directed towards ALS research or his children, according to StarTrek.com.
