The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of talented actress Kelley Mack, who passed away at the age of 33 following a courageous battle with glioma, a rare form of brain cancer.
Mack, born Kelley Klebenow, died peacefully in her hometown of Cincinnati after battling glioma of the central nervous system, according to a statement posted by her family. The actress had been fighting the aggressive tumor with characteristic determination and grace throughout her illness.
While perhaps best known for her recurring role as Addy in AMC’s post-apocalyptic hit series “The Walking Dead,” Mack had built an impressive portfolio across television, film, and commercial work.
Her versatility as a performer was evident in roles spanning from the zombie drama that made her a recognizable face to millions of viewers to her work on NBC’s medical drama “Chicago Med” as Penelope Jacobs and appearances on Fox’s emergency services series “9-1-1.”
Industry reports confirm Mack appeared in season nine of “The Walking Dead” and had accumulated dozens of television and film credits throughout her career. Beyond her on-screen work, she had also established herself as a skilled voice-over artist and appeared in national advertising campaigns for major brands, showcasing her range as a commercial performer.
The news of her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues and co-stars who remember Mack not only for her professional talents but also for her personal qualities. Fellow actors have praised her “infectious enthusiasm and dedication to her work,” which “inspired countless others in the industry and beyond.”
Alanna Masterson, who worked alongside Mack on “The Walking Dead,” paid tribute to her former colleague, describing her as “an incredible human” and expressing pride in having shared screen time with the dedicated actress.
Her family’s statement captured the profound impact of her loss: “Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go,” reflecting the warmth and energy that Mack brought to both her personal and professional relationships.
Plans for memorial services are underway, with arrangements being made to honor Mack’s life and contributions to the entertainment industry. A memorial service is scheduled to take place at the Glendale Lyceum in Glendale, Ohio, on August 16, 2025, allowing family, friends, and fans to pay their respects. Additionally, a separate celebration of life will be held in Los Angeles, recognizing her professional achievements and the mark she made on Hollywood.
Mack’s death represents not just the loss of a talented performer but of a dedicated artist who had made lasting impressions on everyone she worked with throughout her career. Her battle with glioma, while ultimately unsuccessful, was marked by the same determination and spirit that characterized her approach to her craft.
As the industry processes this tragic loss, Kelley Mack’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through her work and the memories of those who knew her as both a consummate professional and a genuinely caring individual.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Actress Kelley Mack, 33, died Saturday in Cincinnati after battling a rare brain tumor called glioma. Best known for her roles in “The Walking Dead” and “Chicago Med,” Mack was remembered by colleagues as both a talented performer and a genuinely kind person.
Memorial services are planned for August 16 in Ohio and separately in Los Angeles. Her death represents the loss of a rising star who made lasting impressions throughout the entertainment industry despite her young age.
