Chicago native Kel Mitchell first burst onto the scene with his television debut on the beloved Nickelodeon sketch comedy show All That. Though he had only performed in community theater before, the young and talented Kel Mitchell quickly made a name for himself. As a teenage cast member, he brought unforgettable energy to the series, creating fan-favorite characters like Ed the Good Burger Guy—a hilariously confused fast food worker known for his exaggerated “dude” accent. Kel Mitchell actually came up with that iconic voice at just eight years old, inspired by his love of watching professional wrestling.
Kel Mitchell stood out as one of the most dynamic performers in the All That ensemble. Whether he was playing the outrageously clueless Repair Man or delivering sharp comedic timing in group sketches, his stage presence was magnetic. It was during this time that Kel Mitchell crossed paths with Kenan Thompson, who was already gaining recognition as a seasoned young actor. The two instantly clicked, both on and off screen, forming a legendary comedic partnership.
Their chemistry shone brightest in the recurring skit “Mavis and Clavis,” where Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson played grumpy elderly men bickering about everything under the sun. What started as an improvised bit became a huge hit with fans, showcasing the natural rhythm between the two stars. That success paved the way for their very own sitcom, Kenan & Kel, which premiered on Nickelodeon in 1996. In the show, Kel Mitchell portrayed the lovably naive best friend to Kenan’s scheming character, effortlessly switching between straight man and zany comic relief. The series became a ratings favorite, and Kel Mitchell’s performance earned him a CableACE Award in 1997—an early testament to his rising star power.
Even while headlining Kenan & Kel, Kel Mitchell remained active on All That, proving his dedication and stamina as a performer. He and Kenan Thompson also took on recurring roles as eccentric students on The Steve Harvey Show on The WB network. On top of that, Kel Mitchell made guest appearances on other popular shows of the era, including Sister, Sister during the 1996–1997 season and Sabrina the Teenage Witch on ABC in 1998. Through it all, Kel Mitchell maintained a consistent presence across multiple platforms, solidifying his place as one of the most recognizable young faces in 90s television.
Kel Mitchell’s most acclaimed film to date is Mystery Men (1999), which received widespread recognition and remains a fan favorite. On the other hand, his least rated movie is Good Burger (1997), which, while it has its own nostalgic charm, didn’t quite resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. Both films showcase different phases of Kel Mitchell’s career, with Mystery Men standing out as his highest-rated work and Good Burger being viewed more as a cult classic with a more modest reception.