StarTrek.com reports that actor Kenneth Mitchell, well-known for his roles in “Star Trek,” passed away on Saturday. 49 was his age.
More than five years ago, Mitchell received a diagnosis of ALS, a neurological disease, as per a message shared on his Instagram page. He experienced “awful challenges” throughout those years, the statement said.
“And in true Ken fashion, he managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment to living a full and joyous life in each moment,” stated the statement. “He lived by the principles that each day is a gift and that we never walk alone.”
The nerve cells that control muscular function in both the upper and lower limbs of the body are impacted by ALS, also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The illness causes the nerve cells to degenerate and die.
Over 30,000 individuals are thought to have ALS in the United States, and 5,000 new cases are reported annually on average. The majority of ALS patients survive for two to five years after their symptoms appear.
GETTY IMAGES: GILBERT FLORES/VARIETY/PENSKE MEDIA
The actor wrote on Instagram on August 10th, discussing his experience living with ALS.
Five years has been a long time. So much gained, so much lost. Absurdly difficult circumstances laced with an abundance of blessings,” penned he. “At the heart of it all are friends and family, caregivers and doctors coming to the aid of my family over and over and over again.”
In a 2020 interview with PEOPLE, Mitchell disclosed his illnesses to the public for the first time.
Mitchell told PEOPLE, “It felt like I was in my own movie the moment they told us it was [ALS].” “It seemed as though I was witnessing that sequence in which a person is informed that they have a fatal sickness. It was simply shocking and full of amazement.”
Mitchell had a number of occupations following his diagnosis.
According to StarTrek.com, he portrayed Aurellio in “Star Trek: Discovery,” as well as the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik. Additionally, he provided the voices of multiple characters in a “Star Trek: Lower Decks” episode.
In addition, Mitchell was well-known for his roles in the television shows Jericho and The Astronaut Wives Club, as well as for his motion pictures Miracle and Captain Marvel.
In the Instagram post announcing his passing, Mitchell was described as a dreamer, an adventurer in the great outdoors, a cat lover, and “more than anything else, a proud father.”
Mitchell’s spouse, their two kids, and his parents all survive him. StarTrek.com reports that Mitchell requested that any gifts be given to either his kids or ALS research.
