Kenneth Mitchell, a versatile actor known for his roles in “NCIS” and “Star Trek,” passed away abruptly at the age of 49 on February 24, 2024. His family announced his untimely death on his verified Instagram page.
Kenneth Mitchell as Eric in the first season of “Jericho” on October 4, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
The family’s statement read, “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son, and dear friend.” They continued to portray him as a pursuer of hope, a daydreamer, a believer in dreams, and above all, a devoted father.
Mitchell is survived by his wife, actress Susan May Pratt, whom he married on May 7, 2006, and their two children, Lilah and Kallum. The family’s homage underscored Mitchell’s commitment and diligence, characteristics that were most profoundly manifested in his role as a father.
Even with his subsequent troubles, Mitchell unearthed a greater purpose in embodying a more genuine version of himself for his children. The family stated, “Ken will be forever proud of who his children have become.”
In 2021, Mitchell spoke fondly of his children’s introduction to the “Star Trek” world. He shared how his son would mimic the sounds of the Klingon language and wield a foam bat’leth around the house. Mitchell and his son shared a special bedtime ritual, saying, “Live long and prosper” to each other.
This ritual extended to their daily school drop-offs, where they would meet at the window, put their hands up on the glass, and repeat their “Star Trek” mantra. Mitchell would then walk home, his heart full of love. He said, “It gives me hope. Children are so beautiful that way.”
Mitchell’s obituary, shared by his family on Instagram, revealed the actor’s five-and-a-half-year battle with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a neurodegenerative disease that impairs motor neurons. Despite the challenges posed by ALS, Mitchell faced each one with grace and courage, living a life full of joy in each moment.
As per the family’s statement, his life was a radiant exemplar of love, compassion, humor, inclusivity, and community. He was a source of inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mitchell received his ALS diagnosis in 2018, a condition that hampers the ability to control body muscles, including those in the throat and diaphragm. This resulted in significant alterations in his movement and voice, eventually leading to the need for a wheelchair.
Despite these physical and emotional hurdles, Mitchell’s spirit remained indomitable and he continued to play his role as a loving father, even dropping off his son at school. His condition even prompted “Star Trek” to rethink its representation of differently-abled individuals on-screen, resulting in the creation of a character that Mitchell could portray from his wheelchair.
In a behind-the-scenes featurette for “Star Trek: Discovery” season 3, aptly titled “Kenneth Mitchell: To Boldly Go,” Mitchell spoke candidly about his condition. As he spoke of how he coped with the condition, he couldn’t help but tear up.
Kenneth Mitchell sheds tears during a “Star Trek” behind-the-scenes featurette titled “Kenneth Mitchell: To Boldly Go” from a video dated July 15, 2021 | Source: YouTube/@StarTrekOfficial
His emotional depiction of “Aurellio” not only moved the audience but also his fellow cast and crew members. One of them commended Mitchell, saying, “He did a wonderful job. Ken is heroically managing with ALS.”
Another crew member expressed his admiration for Mitchell, stating, “The man is brilliant. He’s a brilliant pal. He’s a brilliant friend. He’s a brilliant husband. He’s a brilliant actor.”
Mitchell himself reflected on his journey and how much “Star Trek” meant to him, saying, “It’s not lost on me that the themes of the show of hope and discovery, inclusion, love… that’s where my life sits right now, with science. And I feel like I’m surrounded by this incredible blanket of love and support and warmth. And I am proud to collaborate with all of these people and to give back.”
Before his passing, Mitchell expressed a few heartfelt wishes. His first request was that any gifts in his memory be directed towards ALS research or in support of his children, a testament to his selflessness and dedication to his family and the cause close to his heart.