Kelley Mack, an actress best known for her recurring role as Addy on AMC’s hit series The Walking Dead, has died at the age of 33. Her family confirmed she passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2nd, after a months-long battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.
According to statements from her family shared on her social media, Mack was diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma, a central nervous system tumor, in January. The diagnosis came after she experienced persistent lower back pain and other neurological symptoms. Diffuse midline glioma is a particularly aggressive and rare form of cancer, classified as a Grade IV tumor.
Mack, whose birth name was Kelley Klebenow, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. She gained a notable following for her role in the ninth season of The Walking Dead, where her character was one of the victims kidnapped by the show’s antagonists, the “Whisperers.” She also had guest appearances on other television shows, including Chicago Med and 9-1-1. In addition to her on-screen work, Mack was a voice-match for the character of Gwen Stacy in the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Her family described her as a “bright, fervent light” in a public statement. Mack’s battle with the disease was chronicled on a blog she maintained, where she shared her journey with fans. In a January post, she revealed that a biopsy surgery on her spinal cord had caused her to lose the use of her right leg and most of her left leg, requiring her to use a walker and a wheelchair. Despite these challenges, her sister praised her as being “so f–king proud of her.”
A public memorial service is planned for August 16th in Glendale, Ohio, with a separate celebration of life for her friends and colleagues to be held in Los Angeles at a later date.
Kelley Mack’s passing marks the loss of a talented young actress and storyteller. Her career, which included film, television, and voice-over work, was characterized by a warmth and enthusiasm that touched many. She is survived by her parents, two younger siblings, and her boyfriend.