Kenneth Mitchell (actor) facts for kids

Kenneth Alexander Mitchell (born November 25, 1974 – died February 24, 2024) was a Canadian actor. He was well-known for playing different characters in popular TV shows and movies. You might remember him as Eric Green in the TV series Jericho. He also played several characters in Star Trek: Discovery. On the big screen, he was Ralph Cox in the sports movie Miracle and Joseph Danvers in Captain Marvel.

Acting Career

Kenneth Mitchell started his acting journey in the early 2000s. One of his first big roles was in the 2004 film Miracle. In this movie, he played a hockey player named Ralph Cox. This character was the very last player cut from the 1980 Mens Olympic Hockey Team.

He became widely known for his role as Eric Green in the U.S. TV drama Jericho. This show was first cancelled by CBS in 2007. But fans loved it so much that they campaigned to bring it back! Because of their efforts, the show returned for another season.

Later, in 2014, Mitchell joined the cast of ABC's TV series The Astronaut Wives Club. Here, he played the real-life astronaut Deke Slayton.

Roles in Star Trek and The Old Man

Kenneth Mitchell also had a special connection to the Star Trek universe. He played three different Klingon characters in Star Trek: Discovery. These characters were Kol, Kol-Sha (Kol's father), and Tenavik.

As his health changed, the show creators found ways to include his real-life situation in his roles. In season 3 of Star Trek: Discovery, he played a character named Aurellio. Aurellio used a wheelchair-like device, which matched Mitchell's own use of a wheelchair. This was because he was living with a disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mitchell even hinted that he would play a character in season 4 who had lost the use of their voice, reflecting his own experience.

He also appeared in the FX series The Old Man. His friend Dan Shotz, who was a producer on Jericho, helped him get this role. This part was also written to include Mitchell's health condition.

Personal Life

In May 2006, Kenneth Mitchell married actress Susan May Pratt. They had two children together. Their daughter was born in 2007, and their son was born in 2012.

Health Journey

In February 2020, Kenneth Mitchell shared that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This disease is also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. It affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscles to weaken over time.

He began using a power wheelchair in October 2019. Despite the challenges, he continued to act. As mentioned earlier, the creators of Star Trek: Discovery even created a character, Aurellio, who also had an illness and used a wheelchair. This allowed Mitchell to keep acting in a way that worked with his health.

By August 2021, the disease caused him to lose the ability to speak. Kenneth Mitchell passed away on February 24, 2024, at the age of 49. He was remembered for his talent and his brave spirit.

Film and Television Roles

Kenneth Mitchell appeared in many films and television shows throughout his career. Here are some of his notable roles:

See also

In Spanish: Kenneth Mitchell para niños