Best known for her role as Addy on The Walking Dead, Kelley Mack also appeared in Chicago Med and 9‑1‑1. She died peacefully on August 2 after bravely battling a rare central nervous system glioma.
A Personal Journey Shared
Last winter, Kelley Mack opened up about a harrowing health struggle that began with persistent back pain and moved toward an ultimate diagnosis. In a deeply personal Instagram post from January, she wrote:
“In September, I moved into a new apartment with my boyfriend, Logan. After that, I experienced persistent lower back pain, which I assumed meant a slipped disc. Soon after came neuropathic itching in my right quad, followed by shooting pains in my legs and back. I slept in a recliner for a month because lying down was too painful. On Thanksgiving Eve, emergency MRIs revealed an abnormal mass in my spinal cord.”
That mass turned out to be diffuse midline glioma, a rare and aggressive astrocytoma affecting the spinal cord and brainstem. In her own words:
“Due to the biopsy surgery on my spinal cord, I’ve lost the use of my right leg and most of my left—so now I get around with a walker and wheelchair.”
She kept fans updated on her treatment and recovery via social media.
Family Shares Her Passing
Her family confirmed her death in an Instagram post on August 5:
“It is with indelible sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Kelley. Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond… Kelley passed peacefully on Saturday evening, with her mother Kristen and steadfast aunt Karen by her side.”
They added that she had appeared to loved ones as butterflies since her passing—a tender sign that comforted many.
Her remembrance is scheduled for August 16 in Glendale, Ohio, and family plans a separate celebration in Los Angeles for colleagues and friends in that area.
she also shared her treatment update a couple of months ago on her Instagram.
Early Life & Creative Roots
Born Kelley Lynne Klebenow on July 10, 1992 in Cincinnati, she spent her childhood between Wyoming, Ohio and several other states including Illinois, Missouri, Connecticut and North Carolina. Kelley fell in love with storytelling early on and later earned a cinematography degree from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film.
Her acting path began in commercials and short films. Among her varied credits are voice-over roles, indie projects, and guest appearances on Chicago Med and 9‑1‑1. Her breakout came as Addy in Season 9 of The Walking Dead, where her character’s quiet resilience resonated with viewers.
A Legacy of Storytelling
Kelley’s career spanned around 35 acting and 5 producing credits. She appeared in films like Universal, Broadcast Signal Intrusion, and Delicate Arch, and even voiced Gwen Stacy in Spider‑Man: Into the Spider‑Verse. Despite declining mobility, she remained active in her creative pursuits.
Her sister Kathryn described her as a warm, creative spirit whose passion for storytelling inspired everyone around her. Even in her final months, Kelley celebrated the premiere of Universal, a film she executive produced—her last work before leaving for Cincinnati to be with family.
Remembering Someone Who Fought With Grace
While gliomas like hers—tumors of the central nervous system—are among the most aggressive cancers, Kelley approached her diagnosis with strength and candor. Kelley took monumental steps in her recovery—relearning to walk with help—even as her body weakened. She shared each victory publicly, reminding others facing illness that hope and creativity can persist amid pain.
Final Thoughts
Kelley Mack’s passing at just 33 is heartbreaking. She leaves behind her mother Kristen, sister Kathryn, brother Parker, grandparents, and her partner Logan Lanier. Her life was cut short, but her spirit was fierce—unwavering in creativity, compassion, and courage. Her legacy lives on in her work—The Walking Dead, Chicago Med, 9-1-1, films, voiceovers—and in the countless people she touched. Kelley will be remembered not just for her on-screen roles, but for how she faced life: with bravery, storytelling, and love.
