Kelley Mack, born Kelley Lynne Klebenow on July 10, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was an American actress, producer, and screenwriter whose vibrant career and warm personality left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. She passed away on August 2, 2025, at age 33, after a courageous battle with diffuse midline glioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer affecting the central nervous system. Her death was confirmed by her family and agent on August 5, 2025, via social media and news outlets, prompting widespread grief from fans and colleagues.
The Many Talents of Kelley Mack: A Career in Film, TV, and Beyond
Mack’s passion for storytelling began in childhood with a mini video camera, sparking her love for performance. She debuted professionally in 2008 with the short film The Elephant Garden, earning an Acting Award from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and the Student Visionary Award at the Tribeca Film Festival. After graduating from Hinsdale Central High School in 2010, she earned a bachelor’s degree in cinematography from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts in 2014.
Mack gained recognition as Addy in Season 9 of AMC’s The Walking Dead (2018–2019), appearing in five episodes as a stoic yet compassionate Hilltop Colony resident. Her role contributed to storylines about community rebuilding in the post-apocalyptic series. She also played Penelope Jacobs in Season 8 of NBC’s Chicago Med (2022) and appeared in FOX’s 9-1-1 (2019). Her film roles included Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021) as Alice, Delicate Arch (2024) as Wilda, and a posthumous role as Ricky in the upcoming Universal (2025), where she was also an executive producer.
Mack was a skilled voice actress, providing the voice match for Hailee Steinfeld’s Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq commercial. She appeared in commercials for Dr. Pepper, Ross Stores, Dairy Queen, Chick-fil-A, and Rakuten, often with her mother, Kristen Klebenow. As a screenwriter, she co-wrote scripts with her mother, including On the Black, a 1950s college baseball story inspired by her grandparents’ time at Ohio University. Her career spanned 35 acting roles and five producer credits, showcasing her versatility.
Battle with Glioma and Passing
In January 2025, Mack shared her diagnosis of diffuse midline glioma, a rare, aggressive astrocytoma originating in glial cells, which support neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas account for about 30% of brain and nervous system tumors, with diffuse midline gliomas being particularly deadly due to their location in areas like the brainstem or spinal cord. Mack initially mistook symptoms like persistent lower back pain for a minor issue, sleeping in a recliner for a month. An emergency MRI revealed a spinal cord mass, confirming the diagnosis.
Diffuse midline gliomas, classified as grade 4, have a median survival of about 33.3 months and a 10% two-year survival rate. Symptoms include headaches (worse in the morning), nausea, vomiting, double vision, memory loss, personality changes, speech difficulties, seizures, and vision issues. Treatment typically involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Mack completed proton radiation in March 2025, but the cancer’s resistance and location complicated treatment.
Mack passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, in Cincinnati, surrounded by her mother, Kristen, and aunt, Karen. Her sister, Kathryn Klebenow, announced her passing on Instagram, calling Mack a “bright, fervent light” who faced her illness bravely. Her family noted symbolic butterfly sightings, believing they represented Mack’s spirit. A remembrance event is planned for August 16, 2025, in Glendale, Ohio, with a celebration of life in Los Angeles, where Mack lived and worked for 11 years.
Actress Kelley Mack, known for her role as Addy in The Walking Dead, has died at 33 following an 8-month battle with glioma, a form of brain cancer. pic.twitter.com/kxWbhSayC4
— Blanco Tarantino TV, LLC (@BlancoTarantino) August 6, 2025
Actress Kelley Mack, known for her role as Addy in The Walking Dead, has died at 33 following an 8-month battle with glioma, a form of brain cancer. pic.twitter.com/kxWbhSayC4
— Blanco Tarantino TV, LLC (@BlancoTarantino) August 6, 2025Remembering a Fighter: The Life and Passing of Kelley Mack
Mack was celebrated for her warmth, creativity, and dedication. Her family described her as an inspiration, with an infectious enthusiasm that touched colleagues and fans. Beyond acting, she was a college tennis player who enjoyed hiking, pickleball, biking, playing piano, and traveling. She is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow, sister Kathryn, brother Parker (also an actor), grandparents Lois and Larry, and boyfriend, Logan.
Mack’s openness about her health journey via social media and a CaringBridge page highlighted her resilience and gratitude, deeply resonating with followers. Her legacy endures through her performances, contributions to independent films, co-written scripts, and the memories of those who admired her strength and spirit.
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