Star’ Trek: Discovery’ ‘s Kenneth Mitchell Reveals ALS Diagnosis: ‘I Can’t Hide It Anymore’

Kenneth Mitchell has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a debilitating neurological disease that slowly takes away a person’s ability to control his or her muscles.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the Star Trek: Discovery star, 45, opens up about his life-changing diagnosis, how it has affected him and his work, why he hid it for nearly a year and a half, and how he plans to use his platform to help others.