'HEAVY HEART'
Kenneth Mitchell dead at 49: Star Trek: Discovery star dies after ‘awful challenges’ from 5-year-long ALS battle
Kenneth appeared in Jericho and Captain Marvel
STAR Trek: Discovery actor Kenneth Mitchell has died at age 49 from his five-year-long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The late actor's family released their statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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"With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son, and dear friend,” his family .
“For five and a half years, Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS."
"And in truest Ken fashion, he managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment, to living a full and joyous life in each moment," the statement continued.
"He lived by the principals that each day is a gift and we never walk alone.”
The family asks that any gifts be directed toward ALS research or his children.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurological disorder that "affects motor neurons, the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement and breathing," according to the .
A family friend also set up a for Kenneth's wife and children, Lilah and Kallum.
"Our beloved Ken is gone now. And as Susan and the kids begin to grieve the immeasurable loss of the husband and father they adored, the funds raised here will help alleviate some of the stress associated with the significant financial strain," the text mentioned.
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"Ken was loved by so many. And for those of us who were lucky enough to be in his orbit, he was always a pillar of strength."
"Now it’s our turn to be there for him by supporting the beautiful family he’s left behind," the text closed.
The online fundraiser has raised more than $20,000.
PAST WORK
During the first two seasons of the Discovery series, Kenneth played three Klingon characters.
The Star Trek star portrayed Kol during the first season, then Kol-Sha and Tenavik in the sophomore season.
During Season 3, the series incorporated a hoverchair when Kenneth played Aurellio.
He needed a wheelchair as his disease progressed, according to .
The star also voiced three characters in the first season of the animated Star Trek: Lower Decks, including a black ops operative and a Romulan guard.
"Whether someone is good or bad is all about perspective, and it’s about understanding that culture," he told in a 2017 interview.
"You’ll get to know the Klingons on our show, and then people can decide if we really are the villains."
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Kenneth is also known for his role as Eric Green on Jericho and his portrayal of Joseph Danvers in Captain Marvel.
In a flashback sequence with McKenna Grace, he appeared as the father of Carol Danvers (Brie Larson).
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