Kelley Mack, best known for her portrayal of Addy in The Walking Dead Season 9, has passed away at the age of 33 after fighting a rare and aggressive brain tumour called diffuse midline glioma (DMG), her family confirmed.
Mack died peacefully on August 2 at her hometown in Cincinnati, surrounded by her mother and aunt, as per a statement shared on her official Instagram account.
Courageous Battle Against Diffuse Midline Glioma
Diagnosed in September 2024, Mack’s illness began with back pain and numbness. Despite undergoing treatment, including a spinal biopsy that left her partially paralysed, she remained positive and candid about her experience with DMG.
Even through her health struggles, Mack continued to share her journey, posting moments of personal victories—like ascending stairs with her partner’s support—and remained dedicated to her craft until completing her final film, Universal, earlier in 2025.
A Legacy in Television and Film
Born Kelley Lynne Klebenow on July 10, 1992, she began acting at a young age and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in cinematography from Chapman University in 2014.
Notable credits include:
- Addy in The Walking Dead Season 9
- Roles in TV dramas like Chicago Med and 9-1-1
- Film roles such as Alice in Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021) and Wilda in Delicate Arch (2024)
- A final role as executive producer and actor in Universal (2025 release)
Her career spanned 35 acting roles and 5 production credits, reflecting a deep passion for storytelling and artistic creation.
Tributes And Remembrance
Her sister Kathryn Klebenow described Kelley as a “bright, fervent light” in an emotional Instagram tribute. The family shared that butterflies have appeared to friends and relatives since her passing—a reassuring symbol of her enduring spirit.
A memorial service is scheduled for August 16 in Ohio, with future planned celebrations including one in Los Angeles, where Mack lived and worked for the past 11 years