'Star Trek' actor Kenneth Mitchell revealed his final wish in heartbreaking note before death from ALS
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Captain Marvel' and 'Star Trek: Discovery' actor Kenneth Mitchell died at 49 after a five-year struggle with ALS, and his final wishes have been revealed.
Kenneth's obituary and his family's inspirational and hopeful request were posted on the 'Marvel' actor's Instagram account on Saturday, February 24.
Announcing his death, Kenneth's family released a statement on X and Instagram, "With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend."
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Kenneth Mitchell wanted to 'become a tree' and 'bend with the wind' after death
Family and friends observed that, above all, Kenneth loved being a family guy. He thrived in his role as his wife Susan May Pratt's husband and delighted in raising their two kids, Lilah and Kallum, per Page Six.
Kenneth, who died at the age of 49, wrote in a personal essay titled 'Connect': "When I die, when I leave this Life, I want to become a tree. A Ginkgo, White pine, Jacaranda, Cedar, Oak, Mrytle, or Maple."
"I want to be buried under the roots, so I can be soaked up, all my matter, all my energy, my love, my laughter, my tears and I want to reach up through the branches and touch the night sky," the actor's essay continued.
"I want to twinkle with the stars and when the earth turns, I want to feel the sun on the face of my leaves."
"I want to give off Oxygen for all to breathe. I would like kids to climb on the branches, students to lean on me, animals to eat the fruits I'll bear."
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In his note, Kenneth expressed his desire to "bend with the wind" like a tree and his wish "to be taken down and carved into a canoe paddle," so that he can "J-stroke down the river, flowing and winding and meandering," when the time is right.
The 'Captain Marvel' star further declared that he intends to become a "great big drum" out of the remaining tree wood so people could use it for a bonfire near the sea.
He continued, "The biggest drum imaginable. I want to beat deep and low, to the rhythm of your heart, to the sway of the flames. I want to fill your soul, reach into your bones and resonate."
Kenneth went on, "Connect with your mind. Transcend with every beat. Beat. Beat. We are family we are friends, I am your brother and sister, I am nature."
"Dance with me. Smile with me. Feel with me. Dream with me. Ascend with me. Fall and fail with me but rise up with me."
He went on, "Together. Connected. Every flowing and beating. With hope and optimism. With tenacity and humility. With love and kindness. With courage and vigor. With conviction."
"Take my hand, my branch, my paddle, my drum, and dance with me... forever!" with that, Kenneth's essay on his last wish came to an end.
Kenneth Mitchell's acting career
In Discovery's' first two seasons, Kenneth portrayed three different Klingon roles. The 'Star Trek' actor played Kol in the first season and Kol-Sha and Tenavik in the second.
In Season 3, Kenneth as Aurellio introduced a hoverchair to the show. As his illness worsened, he needed a wheelchair, per Deadline.
In the first season of the animated series 'Star Trek: Lower Decks,' the actor also provided voices for three characters, including a Romulan guard and a black ops agent.
In addition, Kenneth is well-known for his portrayals as Joseph Danvers in 'Captain Marvel' and Eric Green in 'Jericho.' He made an appearance as Carol Danvers's father in a flashback sequence alongside McKenna Grace (Brie Larson), per The US Sun.
Following his death, StarTrek.com paid tribute to Kenneth, stating, "As Kol, Mitchell hoped to bring a new perspective on Klingon culture to fans through his turn on Discovery. The entire 'Star Trek' family sends their condolences to Mitchell’s family, friends, loved ones, and fans around the world."
