Kenneth Mitchell, known for his roles in Star Trek, including portraying Klingons in Star Trek: Discovery and lending his voice to characters in Star Trek: Lower Decks, has died at the age of 49 following a struggle with ALS. The actor, born in Toronto, also appeared in the 2004 Disney movie Miracle as a professional hockey player and featured in other series like Captain Marvel before his battle with the disease came to an end.
Those close to the actor fondly remembered him as a devoted father, an imaginative soul, and an avid adventurer in nature. Friends and family recounted his diverse interests and passion for outdoor activities. Mitchell’s battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, began in 2018 when he publicly disclosed his diagnosis in a 2020 interview.
Among notable figures who battled ALS are the esteemed astrophysicist Stephen Hawking and guitarist Jason Becker, who, despite being paralyzed by the disease, employed software to create a comeback album in 2020. Approximately 5,000 individuals receive diagnosis of ALS annually, with early signs encompassing muscle weakness, impaired mobility, and speech difficulties.
As the disease advances, it impacts functions such as speaking, swallowing, chewing, and breathing. Mitchell, who portrayed the Klingon Kol in Star Trek: Discovery, shared insights in 2017 about the nuanced portrayal of characters, emphasizing their morality as subjective and influenced by cultural perspectives.
Renowned figures who confronted ALS include the esteemed astrophysicist Stephen Hawking and guitarist Jason Becker, who, despite paralysis from the illness, utilized software to craft a comeback album in 2020. Annually, around 5,000 individuals are diagnosed with ALS, marked by initial symptoms like muscle weakness, compromised mobility, and speech impediments.
As the condition progresses, it impairs essential functions such as speaking, swallowing, chewing, and breathing. Mitchell, known for his role as the Klingon Kol in Star Trek: Discovery, offered insights in 2017 on character portrayal, highlighting the subjective nature of morality influenced by cultural contexts.
