Kel Mitchell

Kel Mitchell, born Kel Johari Rice Mitchell on August 25, 1978, in Chicago, Illinois, began his acting career at the age of 12 with the ETA Creative Arts Foundation. He honed his skills in Chicago theatrical productions such as “Kasimu & the Coconut Palm,” “Dirt,” and “Eden.” His performance in “Eden” at the Victory Gardens Theater led to him securing a talent agent and earning a role on the new Nickelodeon network at 14. From 1994 to 1999, Mitchell was an original cast member on “All That,” a groundbreaking TV show where he often collaborated with Kenan Thompson. Their on-screen chemistry led to the spin-off series “Kenan & Kel,” which aired from 1996 to 2000, and the 1997 major motion picture “Good Burger,” adapted from one of his sketches.

Mitchell expanded his career beyond Nickelodeon, appearing in the 1999 comedy “Mystery Men” alongside Ben Stiller and William H. Macy, and in “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle” in 2000. He lent his voice to T-Bone in “Clifford the Big Red Dog” from 2000 to 2003, earning two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for his vocal performance. His diverse roles continued with appearances in Kanye West’s “All Falls Down” music video (2004), the sitcom “One on One” (2005), and BET’s “Take the Cake” (2007). Mitchell further diversified his portfolio by writing and starring in “Dance Fu” (2008), directed by Cedric the Entertainer, and voicing characters in animated series like “Pink Panther and Pals” (2009), “Motorcity” (2012), and “WildGrinders” (2012–2015).

In recent years, Mitchell has embraced a role as a motivational speaker and youth pastor, actively working with organizations such as the National Center for Child Safety and Awareness and The Boys & Girls Club. He co-hosts a web-series, “Ask Pastor Zeigler,” focusing on faith-based teachings for youth and executive produces “The Back House Party,” a live dance competition for inner-city youth with his wife, Asia Lee. His recent projects include the film “All I Didn’t Want for Christmas” (2022), a reunion with Kenan Thompson for “Good Burger 2” (2023), and continued acting work. Mitchell is also an author, releasing “Blessed Mode: 90 Days to Level Up Your Faith” in 2022 and the children’s book “Prank Day.”