(NewsWorthy.news) – A Canadian actor known for roles in Star Trek: Discovery and Captain Marvel has died after battling a progressive illness for six years.
Kenneth Mitchell passed away on Saturday February 24 at the age of 49. His death came six years after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The condition with which he was diagnosed in 2018 is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes complete loss of neurons in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscles. The condition often leads to paralysis, respiratory difficulty and dementia.
Mitchell’s battle with ALS ended last week, according to messages posted by his family on his social media pages on Sunday February 25.
The statement put out by Mitchell’s family emphasized the grief felt by his loved ones at their “beloved’s” passing. It also highlighted that the late actor was a devoted husband, “proud father” and committed friend who “loved to laugh.”
Mitchell was born in Toronto, Canada in 1974. His Hollywood career included playing the various characters in Star Trek: Discovery, Eric Green in the CBS series Jericho, Ralph Cox in Miracle and Joseph Danvers in Captain Marvel.
His portrayal in the Marvel film came out in 2019, the same year that the actor started using a wheelchair due to the disabilities caused by ALS. In 2020, he shared his diagnosis with the public.
Upon revealing his condition to his fans, Mitchell told People magazine that his diagnosis had sparked reflection about the way that he and his wife “were in the trenches together.” The actor noted at the time that both of them understood the gravity of his condition and that it was “going to affect our lives forever.”
Although ALS presented “awful challenges,” Mitchell’s family testified that he countered each “with grace” and remained dedicated to “living a full and joyous life” for the limited time he had left.
The actor leaves behind his family, including Susan, his wife, and Lilah and Kallum, his children, and both his parents. The family has requested that donations be provided for ALS research.
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