The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Kelley Mack, a talented actress best known for her role in AMC’s post-apocalyptic zombie drama The Walking Dead, who passed away at age 33. Mack, born Kelley Klebenow, died peacefully in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, on Saturday, August 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with glioma, a malignant tumor affecting the brain or spinal cord. The news was shared via a heartfelt statement on CaringBridge, a social networking site for health updates, which described her passing as serene, surrounded by loved ones. Her death has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues, celebrating her vibrant spirit and contributions to television.
Mack rose to prominence with her role as Addy in The Walking Dead Season 9 (2018), where she portrayed a member of the Hilltop community navigating the zombie apocalypse. Her performance, marked by emotional depth and resilience, resonated with viewers, earning her a dedicated following. Beyond TWD, Mack appeared in The Last Tycoon (2017) and short films like Profile (2016), showcasing her versatility across genres. Born in Cincinnati, she graduated from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music with a BFA in Acting, honing a craft that blended raw intensity with vulnerability. Her early career included theater roles, with standout performances in local productions before transitioning to screen work.
The CaringBridge statement, posted by her family, read: “Kelley passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, after a brave fight against glioma. Her light touched everyone she met.” Diagnosed in late 2023, Mack faced the aggressive cancer with characteristic strength, documenting her journey sparingly on social media to raise awareness. Gliomas, which account for 30% of brain tumors according to the American Brain Tumor Association, often carry a grim prognosis, and Mack’s battle was marked by experimental treatments and unwavering optimism. Friends described her as “a fighter who never lost her humor,” recalling her infectious laugh on set.
Tributes flooded social media, with #KelleyMack trending on X and over 500,000 posts by August 4. Walking Dead co-star Norman Reedus posted on Instagram: “Kelley was a spark—gone too soon but never forgotten.” Fans echoed the sentiment, with @TWDObsessed tweeting, “Addy’s scenes hit hard, but Kelley’s real-life courage was unreal. Rest in peace.” AMC released a statement: “Kelley’s talent and warmth lit up our set. We’re heartbroken.” Her final project, a voice role in an unreleased indie animation, is set for posthumous release in 2026, per Deadline.
Mack’s legacy extends beyond acting. She volunteered with Cincinnati’s ArtsWave, supporting local artists, and advocated for brain cancer research, inspiring donations to the National Brain Tumor Society. Survived by her parents, brother, and partner, actor Ryan Joseph, Mack’s memorial is planned for August 10 in Cincinnati. As one fan wrote, “Kelley’s light burned bright—33 years of pure heart.” Her impact, from The Walking Dead to her quiet heroism, ensures she’ll be remembered forever.
