“The Walking Dead” Actress Kelley Mack Has Died at 33
Fans of The Walking Dead and the wider entertainment community are mourning the loss of Kelley Mack, an actress whose talent and warmth left a lasting impression on screen and off.
Known for bringing heart to every role she took on, from post-apocalyptic survivors to heartfelt commercials, Kelley had a way of connecting with audiences that felt genuine and unforced.
She passed away far too soon, at just 33 years old, after a sudden illness.
Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement shared on her social media accounts, calling her “a bright, fervent light” whose energy and kindness touched everyone who knew her.
For fans, former co-stars, and friends, it’s a loss that feels deeply personal, the departure of someone who still had so much more to share with the world.
Kelley Mack Dies After Sudden Illness; Tributes Pour In From Fans
Kelley Mack’s cause of death was a glioma of the central nervous system, a rare and aggressive type of tumor that affects the brain or spinal cord.
This form of cancer can progress quickly, often with symptoms appearing suddenly, which may help to explain the shock that followed news of her illness.
Her obituary, released August 5, shared that she died on August 2, surrounded by her family. Those closest to her said she faced the diagnosis with strength and grace, never losing her spark or her love for others.
The statement also emphasized that she passed peacefully, something her loved ones hope will bring comfort to the many fans grieving her loss.
Gliomas account for a small percentage of central nervous system cancers, yet their impact is profound, often challenging both patients and their families in deeply emotional ways.
For someone as vibrant as Kelley, it’s especially heartbreaking to see a life so full of creativity, adventure, and connection cut short. Her family’s choice to share her cause of death openly speaks to her transparency and the way she lived – honestly, generously, and without pretense.
From Cincinnati to Hollywood: A Snapshot of Her Career
Born Kelley Klebenow in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kelley Mack embarked on a remarkable journey in entertainment. She studied film at Chapman University’s Dodge College and graduated in 2014, after which she moved to the Los Angeles area and built an impressive résumé.
On The Walking Dead, she appeared as Addy in season 9, one of the many highlights in her acting career. That’s not all: Kelley also appeared in Season 8 of Chicago Med as Penelope Jacobs and had a role on FOX’s 9-1-1.
Her film work included playing Alice in Broadcast Signal Intrusion and Wilda in the recently released Delicate Arch. She even did commercial work for big names like Chick-fil-A, Dairy Queen, and Dr. Pepper, and appeared in a charming Rakuten commercial alongside her mom, Kristen.
Kelley’s talents went beyond on-screen acting: she did voice-over work, including the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
More Than “Just” an Actress
Those who knew her remember Kelley for more than her credits in entertainment news. She was celebrated for her warmth, creativity, and loyalty.
Her obituary mentioned how she “cherished time with family and friends, finding joy in collaboration and storytelling,” and that she loved hiking, biking, playing pickleball and piano, and traveling.
What’s Still to Come
Kelley’s creative spirit lives on. She will appear posthumously as Ricky in a yet-to-be-released film from Universal. It’s a bittersweet reminder of how her work will continue to touch audiences even after her passing.
A Light That Still Shines
Kelley Mack leaves behind a devoted circle of family and loved ones: her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow; her younger siblings Kathryn and Parker (who’s also an actor); grandparents Lois and Larry; and her “dearest boyfriend,” Logan.
Though her life was cut tragically short, she touched so many people with her talent and joy. As fans and colleagues in The Walking Dead cast and beyond take stock of her loss, it's clear her vibrant spirit, creativity, and kindness will still shine on.