Seven things to know about Kelley Mack

Actress and filmmaker Kelley Mack, best known for her role as Addy in AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead’ has died at the age of 33.

Her family confirmed that she passed away in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, after a battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, glioma of the central nervous system.

In a message posted on her CaringBridge page and shared via her Instagram account, her family wrote: “It is with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear Kelley. Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go.”

Early life and passion for the arts

Born on July 10, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kelley Mack, born Kelley Alice Klebenow, was raised in a creative household. Her mother, Kristen Mack, is an actress, and her father, Lindsay Jay Klebenow, is a businessman and real estate agent. She was the eldest of three siblings, with a younger sister, Kathryn Klebenow, and a brother, Parker Mack, who also pursued acting.

From a young age, Kelley was drawn to performance. She began appearing in commercials as a child and developed a deep passion for storytelling after receiving her first mini video camera. Her early interest evolved into a serious pursuit, eventually earning her a degree in film production and cinematography, a reflection of her commitment to both sides of the lens.

Rise in Hollywood

Though her breakout came with The Walking Dead, Kelley Mack built her career slowly and deliberately. Before Addy, she starred in a range of short films, commercials, and independent productions. Her 2008 film debut came with The Elephant Garden, which earned her the Acting Award at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and the Student Visionary Award at the Tribeca Film Festival.

On television, Kelley delivered memorable performances in 9-1-1, Chicago Med (as Penelope Jacobs), and even made a guest appearance in Schooled, a Modern Family spinoff. She also worked in films like Broadcast Signal Intrusion, Shotgun, and Mr. Manhattan, and lent her voice talents to projects including Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, where she voice-matched Hailee Steinfeld’s Gwen Stacy for promotional content.

Role in The Walking Dead

Kelley’s most recognisable performance came in Season 9 of The Walking Dead, where she portrayed Addy, a young member of the Highwaymen. Addy’s arc was both brief and impactful — her friendship with Henry and her tragic end at the hands of the Whisperers left fans reeling. Though she only appeared in five episodes, Kelley’s portrayal was noted for its emotional resonance and authenticity.

A multi-talented creator

Kelley didn’t just act, she produced, wrote, edited, and directed. She co-produced several short films and was involved in upcoming feature projects, including Universal, a film by Stephen Portland, where she served as executive producer and was set to star. Her 2016 short, A Knock at the Door, received accolades at the Atlanta Horror Film Festival and FilmQuest.

Throughout her 11 years living in Los Angeles, she remained active across film, television, voice work, and the indie circuit. But fame never defined her — purpose did.

Advocacy work

Away from the spotlight, Kelley supported mental health advocacy, women in film, and animal welfare. Friends described her as humble, driven, deeply empathetic, and the kind of collaborator who lifted every project with her presence. Even during her illness, she found ways to uplift others, a quiet force in an often-loud industry.

Battle with cancer

In January 2025, Kelley publicly revealed she had been diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma, a rare and incurable form of astrocytoma. What began as back pain in late 2024 led to a devastating discovery after an MRI scan revealed a tumour on her spine. A biopsy left her with partial paralysis in her legs.

Despite undergoing extensive treatments, the cancer proved relentless. Through it all, Kelley remained resilient and hopeful, sharing parts of her journey with grace and clarity. She passed away less than a year after her diagnosis, surrounded by her loved ones.

Her legacy

Kelley Mack is survived by her parents, siblings, grandparents Lois and Larry Klebenow, and her longtime partner, Logan Lanier. A memorial service will be held in Glendale, Ohio, on August 16, with a celebration of life planned in Los Angeles at a later date.

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