Kelley Mack, an actress recognized for her role as Addy in the ninth season of The Walking Dead, passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in her hometown of Cincinnati, at the age of 33. She had been battling a glioma in the central nervous system, a rare type of brain tumor. Beyond her notable role in the AMC series, Mack appeared in productions such as Chicago Med, 9-1-1, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, where she served as a voice match for Gwen Stacy. Her diverse career included commercials, short films, and screenwriting, leaving a lasting legacy in the audiovisual industry. The news of her death sparked widespread mourning among fans and colleagues, who highlighted her versatility and passion for storytelling.
Born Kelley Lynne Klebenow on July 10, 1992, the actress grew up in various U.S. cities, including Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Her passion for storytelling began early, sparked by a video camera she received as a birthday gift. This interest led her to act in commercials as a child and later secure roles in film and television.
- Diverse career: Acted in series, films, commercials, and voice work.
- Academic background: Graduated in Cinematography from Chapman University.
- Personal life: Loved sports, country music, and traveling.
Mack’s journey reflects her dedication to the arts and her ability to navigate various roles in the entertainment industry, making an impact both in front of and behind the camera.
Promising start in film and television
At 16, Kelley Mack already showed promise. Her debut in the short film The Elephant Garden (2008) earned her an acting award from the Tisch School of the Arts and the Student Visionary Award at the Tribeca Film Festival. This early recognition motivated her to pursue formal training in film, culminating in her graduation from the Dodge College of Film at Chapman University in 2014. Over the 11 years she lived in Los Angeles, Mack built a solid career, balancing roles in high-profile series with independent projects.
Her role as Addy in The Walking Dead was a milestone. Playing a Hilltop Colony survivor, she appeared in five episodes of the ninth season (2018-2019), with a standout scene involving her character’s death at the hands of the Whisperers’ leader, Alpha. In a 2020 interview with The Walking Dead Brasil, Mack shared that filming that scene required intense emotional preparation but also highlighted the support from castmates like Katelyn Nacon and Cooper Andrews, with whom she wished she had collaborated more.
- First acclaimed role: Short film The Elephant Garden (2008).
- TV appearances: Featured in 9-1-1 (2019) and Chicago Med (2022).
- Memorable scene: Addy’s death in The Walking Dead season 9.
- Voice work: Voice match for Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Mack’s versatility allowed her to explore various areas, such as production and screenwriting, solidifying her presence in the industry.
Contributions beyond acting
Kelley Mack didn’t limit herself to acting. She wrote, directed, and edited the short film Positive (2015), served as cinematographer for The Kingdom (2014), and produced A Knock at the Door (2016). One of her most personal projects was the screenplay On the Black, co-written with her mother, Kristen, inspired by her maternal grandparents’ story at Ohio University in the 1950s. This work showcased her ability to weave personal narratives with universal themes.
In film, Mack appeared in Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021), a tech thriller, and Delicate Arch (2024). She also served as an executive producer on Universal (2025), a yet-to-be-released film. Her contributions to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) as a voice match for Hailee Steinfeld and in a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq commercial further highlight her range.
- Original projects: Wrote and directed the short Positive (2015).
- Production: Executive producer for Universal (2025).
- Screenwriting: Co-wrote On the Black with her mother.
- Commercial voice work: Voiced Gwen Stacy in a Hyundai campaign.
Mack also shone in commercials for brands like Dr Pepper, Budweiser, Dairy Queen, and Chick-fil-A, often bringing humor and charisma to the campaigns.
Personal life and passions
Off-screen, Kelley Mack was a vibrant figure. Passionate about sports, she was a college tennis player and enjoyed pickleball, cycling, and hiking. Her outgoing personality shone through in hobbies like playing the piano, traveling, and speaking in a British accent for fun. A fan of dark chocolate, bourbon, and country music, she also participated in fantasy football leagues and had a special fondness for animals, both real and stuffed.
Mack is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay, her sister Kathryn, her brother Parker, also an actor, and her boyfriend, Logan. Her family announced a memorial ceremony on August 16 at the Glendale Lyceum in Ohio, with plans for a Los Angeles event for friends and industry colleagues.
- Sports: College tennis player and pickleball enthusiast.
- Hobbies: Piano, traveling, and country music.
- Family: Survived by parents, two siblings, and boyfriend.
- Memorials: Tributes planned in Ohio and Los Angeles.
Legacy in the audiovisual industry
Though cut short, Mack’s career left a significant mark. Her ability to move between acting, production, and writing inspired colleagues and fans. In The Walking Dead, her portrayal of Addy brought humanity to a series known for emotional intensity. Projects like On the Black and Universal reflect her commitment to authentic storytelling.
Her battle against glioma, diagnosed at an undisclosed date, was faced with courage, according to her family. The disease, a rare and aggressive tumor, affects the central nervous system and poses treatment challenges. Despite this, Mack continued working in her final years, showcasing her dedication to her craft.
- *Impact in The Walking Dead: Addy as a symbol of resilience.
- Original projects: Screenplays and shorts with personal narratives.
- Battle with glioma: Faced the illness with courage.
- Inspiration: Legacy of versatility and passion for the audiovisual arts.
Response from fans and colleagues
Kelley Mack’s death sparked widespread reactions on social media, with The Walking Dead fans and castmates sharing heartfelt messages. Her infectious energy and professionalism were praised by those who worked with her. The Los Angeles memorial is expected to draw industry figures to celebrate her legacy.
Mack was also admired for her generosity on set. In an interview, she expressed a desire for Addy to have interacted more with characters like Lydia, which could have enriched The Walking Dead’s narrative. Her ability to connect with colleagues like Katelyn Nacon and Cooper Andrews underscores her positive influence in the workplace.
- Fan reactions: Outpouring of grief on social media.
- Colleague praise: Noted for professionalism and energy.
- Desired interactions: Interest in scenes with Lydia in The Walking Dead.
- Tributes: Events in Ohio and Los Angeles to honor her life.
Kelley Mack’s journey, marked by talent and passion, remains an example of dedication to the entertainment industry. Her loss is deeply felt by those who followed her work and her unique energy.
