Actor Kenneth Mitchell Has Died

(RepublicanPress.org) – In February 2020, Kenneth Mitchell announced that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurological disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The Canadian actor recently passed away at 49.

On February 25, Mitchell’s family posted a statement on his Instagram and X/Twitter accounts announcing his death the previous day. They noted that he had ALS for more than five years. The family said he managed to rise about the disease’s numerous challenges with “grace and [a] commitment to living a full and joyous life.”

KENNETH A. MITCHELL
25.11.1974 ~ 24.02.2024

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend. pic.twitter.com/CdknbeFWQm

— Kenneth Mitchell (@MrKenMitchell) February 25, 2024

The notice explained that he considered each day of life a precious gift and served as a “shining example” of living a full life filled with “love, compassion, humor… and community.”

Mitchell is renowned for his television roles on CBS’ “Jericho” (2006 to 2008), ABC’s “The Astronaut Wives Club” (2014), and “Star Trek: Discovery” (2017 to 2021). He also starred in the feature films “Miracle” (2004) and “Captain Marvel” (2019).

Mitchell’s family wrote that he was best known to those who were close to him as a “hope seeker, daydreamer…beach walker… [and] cat lover.” They also said he was known, above all, “a proud father.”

In late August 2023, Mitchell posted a statement discussing the challenges of living with ALS in a post on his Instagram account featuring an image of him looking at a sunset from his wheelchair. He wrote of “living through incredibly hard times” and called the disease “absolutely horrific,” adding that he had much to be grateful for “despite all [his] suffering.”

A family friend created a GoFundMe page to help Mitchell’s family offset some of the “astronomical” costs associated with his treatments for ALS and the need for caregivers. The fundraiser’s organizer wrote that the funds would help “alleviate some of the stress associated with… financial strain” while they “grieve the immeasurable loss” of the father and husband “they adored.”

Mitchell is survived by his wife, film actress Susan May Pratt, their children Kallum and Lilah, and other family members, including his parents.