At just 33, actress Kelley Mack has died, her family confirmed this week. Best known for her portrayal of Addy in season nine of AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” she passed away in Cincinnati after living with glioma, a rare brain and spinal cord tumor.
Mack, whose given name was Kelley Klebenow, built a career across commercials and television roles. Though her work often stayed under the radar, she was admired for the care she brought to each part. Fans of “The Walking Dead” especially remember her ability to make Addy a layered and memorable character.
A Journey Rooted in Storytelling
Her passion for performance began early. As a child, she received a video camera for her birthday. That gift sparked a lasting love for filmmaking. She began acting in commercials for brands like Dr. Pepper, Dairy Queen, Ross, and Chick-fil-A. Over time, she shifted to more prominent roles on-screen.
She portrayed Penelope Jacobs in “Chicago Med” and had a notable guest role on “9-1-1.” In total, she earned 35 acting credits and five as a producer—clearly committed to growing her creative presence in the industry.
At Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Kelley studied cinematography, cultivating skills that blended her passion for performance with her interest in production. Her dedication showed in every step of her work.
Her Character, On and Off Screen
Her kindness wasn’t limited to the roles she played. Friends and colleagues remember her as generous, encouraging, and genuinely thoughtful. She had a way of making others feel supported, both on set and in life.
Alanna Masterson, her Walking Dead co-star, described Kelley as “an incredible human” and said she was proud to share the show’s final episode with her. On Instagram, Masterson called her “a bright, fervent light,” a tribute that reflected just how deeply loved Kelley was by those around her.
Family, Background, and Tributes
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Kelley graduated from Hinsdale Central High School before heading to California for college. She is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow, her siblings Kathryn and Parker, her grandparents Lois and Larry Klebenow, and her boyfriend, Logan Lanier.
The outpouring of messages from fans and friends has painted a picture of Kelley as someone deeply loved—described time and again as authentic, passionate, and alive with energy. Even short scenes she performed carried weight that lingered with people.
A Lasting Impact
Though her years in the industry were not long, she built work that reflected intention and emotion. Off-screen, she was known for her kindness and the reassurance she offered those around her.
Her life stands as a reminder that real influence isn’t always measured by fame or time in the spotlight. It’s often found in the quiet gestures of encouragement and in the steady way someone lives with purpose. Kelley’s artistry and her relationships continue to carry her spirit forward.