Canadian actor Kenneth Mitchell, known for his roles in the “Star Trek: Discovery'' series and the movie “Captain Marvel,'' died on Saturday. He was 49 years old.
Mitchell had been suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurological disease that can lead to paralysis and death, for more than five years, according to a statement posted on social media by his family.
He played the father of superhero Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel. He is also known for playing Eric Green in the “Jericho'' series, Joshua Dodd in the “Nancy Drew'' series, a hockey player in the movie “Miracle,'' and several other film and television roles. He also appeared in the series.
Mr. Mitchell played the Klingons Kol, Korsha, Tenavik and Aurelio on “Star Trek: Discovery” and voiced several characters in episodes of “Star Trek: Lower Decks.”
In a 2017 interview with StarTrek.com, he said he wanted viewers to think differently about the Klingons, humanoid warriors whose role in the Star Trek universe has changed over the decades.
“Whether someone is good or bad is all a matter of perspective, and it's important to understand the culture,” he told StarTrek.com in 2017. Villains. ”
Mr. Mitchell lived in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Susan May Pratt, and their children. He was born on November 25, 1974 in Toronto to Diane and David Mitchell.
Mitchell was diagnosed with ALS in 2018, according to a statement he posted on his social media in August. He revealed his diagnosis in an interview with People magazine in 2020, saying that from the moment he found out, “it was like watching that scene where someone is told they have a terminal illness.” He added that he was in “utter disbelief and shock.”
Mitchell said she turned down a starring role in a TV series that would require her to return to Canada, focusing on spending more time with her family. The creators of the series “Nancy Drew” also told People that they were sensitive to his illness and used stuntmen when necessary. Other roles were also created for him that allowed him to sit, he added.
“This disease is truly terrifying,” Mitchell wrote in a post last year, accompanied by a photo of her on the beach watching the sunset from her wheelchair. “But despite all the suffering, there is much to be thankful for,” he added.
Mitchell is survived by his wife, children Lyla and Callum, his parents and other family members, according to a family statement.
