The world of entertainment was struck with profound sadness on August 2, 2025, when Kelley Mack, a talented actress known for her role as Addy in The Walking Dead, passed away at the age of 33. Her battle with glioma of the central nervous system touched the hearts of many, and her legacy as an actress, producer, and storyteller continues to inspire. In this article, we’ll reflect on Kelley’s journey, her impactful role in The Walking Dead, and the vibrant spirit she brought to both her craft and her life. As fans and loved ones mourn her loss, we celebrate the indelible mark she left behind.
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Kelley Mack’s Journey to Stardom
Kelley Lynne Klebenow, born on July 10, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was destined for storytelling from a young age. Growing up across multiple cities, including Wyoming, Ohio, and Hinsdale, Illinois, Kelley’s passion for creativity blossomed when she received a mini video camera as a birthday gift. This sparked a lifelong love for acting and filmmaking, setting her on a path to a remarkable career.
- Early Beginnings: Kelley started acting in commercials as a child, showcasing her natural talent.
- Education and Training: She graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 2010 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Cinematography from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film in 2014.
- First Break: Her role as Chloe in The Elephant Garden (2008) earned her an Acting Award from Tisch School of the Arts and a Student Visionary Award at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Kelley’s early experiences laid a strong foundation for her multifaceted career in acting, producing, and screenwriting. Her determination and creativity made her a standout in the industry, even as she faced personal challenges later in life.
Addy’s Role in The Walking Dead
Kelley Mack joined The Walking Dead in its ninth season (2018-2019) as Adeline, affectionately known as Addy, a resident of the Hilltop Colony. Her character appeared in five episodes, leaving a memorable impression despite her brief time on the show. Addy’s arc was tragically cut short in the season finale, where she was among the victims of the Whisperers, a group led by the menacing Alpha. Her death, alongside characters like Henry, Tara, and Enid, was a pivotal moment that shocked fans and highlighted the show’s unrelenting stakes.
- Casting Story: Kelley landed the role through a standard audition process, submitting a self-tape and later a demo reel, which led to her booking the part on her birthday—a moment she cherished.
- On-Set Experience: She described the The Walking Dead cast and crew as welcoming and professional, with co-stars like Jackson Pace and Joe Ando-Hirsch feeling like “little brothers” to her.
- Impact on Fans: Though her role was small, Addy’s death resonated deeply with viewers, cementing Kelley’s ability to bring emotional depth to her characters.
Kelley’s time on The Walking Dead was a dream come true, even though she admitted to being initially hesitant about zombie shows due to her fear of horror. Her performance as Addy showcased her ability to bring authenticity and heart to even the most perilous post-apocalyptic settings.
A Versatile Talent Across Film and TV
Beyond The Walking Dead, Kelley Mack’s career was diverse and dynamic, spanning television, film, commercials, and voice-over work. She appeared in shows like 9-1-1 (2019) and Chicago Med (2022, as Penelope Jacobs), and took on roles in films such as Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021) and Delicate Arch (2024). Her voice-over work included serving as the voice match for Hailee Steinfeld’s Gwen Stacy in the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq commercial.
- Commercial Work: Kelley starred in ads for brands like Dr Pepper, Budweiser, and Rakuten (alongside her mother, Kristen), showcasing her versatility.
- Producing and Writing: She produced the short film A Knock at the Door (2016), which won a Festival Award at the Atlanta Horror Film Festival, and served as an executive producer on the upcoming film Universal (2025).
- Creative Passion: Kelley co-wrote feature scripts, including On the Black, a 1950s-era college baseball story inspired by her grandparents’ time at Ohio University.
Her ability to excel in acting, producing, and screenwriting highlighted her as a true creative force, unafraid to take on new challenges and tell meaningful stories.
A Courageous Battle with Glioma
In September 2024, Kelley Mack shared the heartbreaking news of her diagnosis with glioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting the central nervous system. Despite the daunting prognosis, she faced her illness with remarkable courage, undergoing proton radiation treatment and keeping fans updated through social media. Her final Instagram post in March 2025 celebrated the completion of her treatment, reflecting her determination to view this as a “short chapter in my long book.”
- Public Transparency: Kelley’s openness about her health journey inspired many, as she expressed gratitude for the support she received.
- Family Support: Her mother, Kristen, and aunt, Karen, were by her side when she passed peacefully on August 2, 2025, in Cincinnati.
- Symbolic Legacy: Her family noted that Kelley appeared to loved ones as butterflies after her passing, a poignant symbol of her enduring spirit.
Kelley’s bravery and positivity in the face of such a challenging illness left a lasting impression on her fans, friends, and family, who continue to honor her strength.
Tributes and a Lasting Legacy
The news of Kelley’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from The Walking Dead co-stars, colleagues, and fans. Filmmaker Michael E. Satrazemis called her “a bright light on every level,” while actor Gustavo Gomez, who played Marco, wrote, “Your bright light will always shine on.” Her family announced celebrations of her life in Glendale, Ohio, on August 16, and a planned memorial in Los Angeles for her industry friends.
Kelley’s legacy extends beyond her on-screen roles. An accomplished college tennis player, she loved hiking, pickleball, dark chocolate, and country music. Her vibrant personality—marked by her playful use of a British accent and love for storytelling—touched everyone she met. Survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay, siblings Kathryn and Parker, grandparents Lois and Larry, and boyfriend Logan, Kelley’s impact as a storyteller and human being will live on.
- Celebrations of Life: Events in Ohio and Los Angeles will honor Kelley’s memory and her contributions to the arts.
- Inspiring Others: Her passion for storytelling and resilience continue to motivate aspiring actors and filmmakers.
- Posthumous Work: Kelley’s final role in Universal, set to screen at festivals in August 2025, ensures her talent will continue to shine.
Kelley Mack’s life was a testament to the power of creativity, courage, and love. As we remember her, we’re reminded of her words: “I love acting so much and it warms me to know when others are touched by the stories I’m so lucky to be a part of sharing.” Her light may have transitioned, but it will forever illuminate the hearts of those who knew her work and spirit.