(CNN) – Kenneth Mitchell, an actor who starred in the Marvel series “Star Trek: Discovery” and “Captain Marvel,” has died, his family announced in a statement shared this Sunday on their verified social networks.
He was 49 years old.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, a beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend,” the family statement said.
In 2018, Mitchell was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He and his family have provided regular updates on his health over the past few years. In August, Mitchell celebrated the fifth anniversary of her diagnosis in an Instagram post.
“My brother humorously mentioned that there wasn’t actually an ALS anniversary card in the store. Today, however, I want to celebrate the gift of life. I am so grateful to have this day ahead of me. It’s been 5 long years “So much lost, so much gained. Incredibly difficult times mixed with so many other blessings,” Mitchell wrote at the time. “At the heart of it all are the friends and family, carers and doctors who continue to come to my family’s aid. They give me an abundance of support, love, care and encouragement. There is so much beauty in it.” The illness is absolutely terrible… but despite all the suffering, there is so much to be grateful for.”
Originally from Canada, Mitchell has made more than 50 film and television appearances throughout his acting career. He played Carol Danvers' father in Marvel's “Captain Marvel” in 2019 and an Olympic hopeful in the 2004 hockey film “Miracle.” Mitchell has appeared in dozens of television series, including “Jericho,” “The Astronaut Wives Club” and “At changed at birth.
From 2017 to 2021, Mitchell played the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha and Tenavik as well as Aurellio on “Star Trek: Discovery”.
“Whether someone is good or bad has to do with perspective, and it’s about understanding that culture,” he told StarTrek.com in 2017. “You'll get to know the Klingons on our show, and then people can decide whether they want to say, 'We're really the bad guys.'
Beyond his acting roles, Mitchell was remembered by those close to him as a “seeker of hope, a daydreamer, a follower of dreams.” In his family's statement, they expressed their admiration for the strength Mitchell showed throughout his life with the disease.
“Regardless of his later disabilities, Ken discovered a higher calling to be fully himself for his children,” they wrote. “For five and a half years, Ken faced a series of terrible challenges arising from ALS. And in true Ken style, he managed to navigate each one with grace and commitment to live a full and joyful life in every moment.”
Mitchell is survived by his wife Susan and two small children.