Star Trek: Discovery actor Kenneth Mitchell, who transformed into three different Klingon characters in the series’ first two seasons — and revealed a deeply personal medical diagnosis earlier this year — will be back for Season 3!
The man behind Klingon warriors Kol and Kol-sha — as well as Tenavik, keeper of the time crystals at the Boreth monastery — will finally get to bear his human face when the series returns for its third season this fall, Mitchell revealed in the September 2020 issue of the official Star Trek Magazine.
“I’m playing a human character,” Mitchell told the official publication in the just-released issue, also noting that his role will be part of two late-season episodes. “It’s beautiful, and I’m excited for the fans to meet him.”
The popular character actor revealed earlier this year that he was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2018, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a condition that severely limits his ability to walk. Despite his medical issue — and his now-required use of a wheelchair — Mitchell made a Star Trek appearance earlier this spring on the official Star Trek Cruise in March, just days after his diagnosis became public.
Yesterday, I experienced the full magic of the #StarTrek family. I felt the true value of the human spirit, as a collective whole. A mycelial network. Thank you dearly for the encouragement, inspiration & love. A moment in time I will never forget & carry with me, always. 🖖🏼 pic.twitter.com/4xPAInE71c
— Kenneth Mitchell (@MrKenMitchell) March 2, 2020
Thank you Mother Nature, thank you @startrekcruise, thank you #StarTrek family. I am inspired. I am enlightened. Forever more. #Time 💎 pic.twitter.com/JAOmF4HRRZ
— Kenneth Mitchell (@MrKenMitchell) March 8, 2020
He has continued to take on different roles since that diagnosis, including his Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 roles (filmed in 2018 before the public announcement, of course), playing Kol-Sha and Tenavik, and prior to that he became a Trek favorite villain, playing the treacherous Klingon Kol in five episodes of the show’s 2017-era first season.
“It’s beautiful, and I’m excited for the fans to meet him. I am also thankful for the continued support of Alex (Kurtzman), Michelle Paradise, Olatunde (Osunanmi), Jonathan Frakes and everyone at Secret Hideout, who made it happen for me.”
Star Trek: Discovery returns for its third season on October 15, exclusively on CBS All Access (USA), CTV Sci Fi Channel (Canada), and Netflix (other global regions).