Actor Kenneth Mitchell of Marvel and Star Trek fame dead at 49

Actor Kenneth Mitchell, known for his roles in the series "Star Trek: Discovery" and Marvel's "Captain Marvel," has died after a more than five-year battle with ALS, his family announced Sunday on social media.

“With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend,” the family wrote in a statement on his Instagram account.

Mitchell was diagnosed with ALS, — or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — in 2018 and often shared his experience with the disease on social media. Marking five years with Lou Gehrig's disease in August, Mitchell wrote at the time, "I’m so thankful to have this day in front of me. It’s been a long 5 years. So much lost, so much gained. Incredibly hard times, mixed with so many more blessings."

Mitchell passed away on Saturday and is survived by his wife, Susan May Pratt, and their two children, along with his parents, brother and various in-laws, nieces and nephews, his family confirmed.

"For five and a half years Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS," his family wrote on social media Sunday. "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."

He asked any gifts be directed towards ALS research or in support of his children, his family noted.

Born in 1974 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Mitchell has over 50 acting credits across multiple films and television shows. On "Star Trek: Discovery," Mitchell played the roles of Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha and Tenavik and voiced several characters in an episode of "Star Trek: Lower Decks," according to a release from StarTrek.com, which said it was "deeply saddened" to learn of his passing.

"Whether someone is good or bad is all about perspective, and it’s about understanding that culture," he told StarTrek.com in 2017. "You’ll get to know the Klingons on our show, and then people can decide if we really are the villains."

He was also known for his roles as Carol Danver's father in the 2019 Marvel film, "Captain Marvel," and former professional ice hockey player, Ralph Cox, in the 2004 Disney film "Miracle."

Mitchell's family remembered him for his various hobbies, passions, kindness and friendships, describing him as "a hope seeker, daydreamer, dream believer."

"Ken was the keeper of countless friendships," his family wrote in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. "Like a massive star exploding with kindness, purity and a particular brand of silly, you were pulled right into his orbit. Once captured, Ken could bathe you in positivity, thoughtfulness, and hilarity, and make you feel so loved. Ken was a giver, a listener, a sentimentalist, and an excellent observer of his surroundings."