A strapping, strikingly handsome leading man of TV series and telefilms and a number of low-budget action features, Mitchell, whose slightly tawny complexion is complimented by his boyish, open features, attracted some attention as a model for the famed and sensuous camera of photographer Bruce Weber while he was studying at New York's National Improvisational Theater. He began landing roles in TV-movies and features during the run of his contract with Weber and enjoyed a breakthrough when he likably essayed the title role in Paul Morrissey's modest study of an ambitious boxer, "Spike of Bensonhurst" (1988).
Mitchell soon had a first shot at series TV as well when he joined the cast of CBS' long-running "Dallas" in 1989 near the end of its run, playing the manipulative James Richard Beaumont, the supposed son of the only woman (played by Gayle Hunnicutt) ever to break J.R. Ewing's heart. After that assignment petered out in 1991, Mitchell strode into "Step by Step" (ABC, 1991-96), a low-key sitcom in which the actor played the rather spaced-out, motorcycle-loving nephew of series star Patrick Duffy. He also played the lead in the sequels to the Jean-Claude Van Damme actionfest "Kickboxer". So far, Mitchell has punched and kicked his way through three sequels playing the brother of Van Damme's character.