Kel Mitchell
His rubber-faced comedy and infectious energy defined a generation of Nickelodeon viewers, making him a 90s kid icon.
Born 1978 (age 48)·American actor and comedian·Birthday: August 25·Generation X
Biography
Kel Mitchell exploded onto the scene as a teenager on Nickelodeon's 'All That,' where his gift for physical comedy and memorable characters like the orange soda-loving Ed made him an instant star. His partnership with Kenan Thompson became one of the network's most successful duos, leading to their own sitcom, 'Kenan & Kel,' and the cult film 'Good Burger.' After the show ended, Mitchell navigated the tricky transition from child star, facing personal challenges while continuing to work in voice acting, hosting, and Christian ministry. His enduring legacy is cemented by the sheer joy he brought to millions, a fact celebrated when he returned to the 'All That' stage years later to a hero's welcome from a new generation of fans.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Kel was born in 1978, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1978
#1 Movie
Grease
Best Picture
The Deer Hunter
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Kel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1978Born
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1983Started school
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1991Became a teenager
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1994Could drive
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1996Could vote
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Turned 21
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2008Turned 30
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2018Turned 40
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 48 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was an original cast member on the groundbreaking Nickelodeon sketch series 'All That' from its 1994 debut.
- Co-starred with Kenan Thompson in the hit Nickelodeon sitcom 'Kenan & Kel,' which ran for four seasons.
- Reprised his beloved 'All That' character Ed for the feature film 'Good Burger' in 1997.
- Received two Emmy Award nominations for his voice work as T-Bone on the children's series 'Clifford the Big Red Dog.'
Did You Know?
He is a licensed minister and has spoken openly about his Christian faith.
Mitchell is a vegan and has advocated for plant-based living.
He made a surprise return to 'All That' as a guest in 2019, performing the 'Good Burger' sketch with the new cast.
He and Kenan Thompson reunited for a 'Good Burger' sequel, 'Good Burger 2,' released in 2023.
“Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger, can I take your order?”
