Credit: AMC

The Walking Dead Star Has Died Aged 33

A star of The Walking Dead has died aged just 33.

“It is with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing,” her family wrote on Instagram.

“Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go. She passed peacefully on Saturday evening with her loving mother, Kristen, and steadfast aunt Karen present.”

The announcement was quickly flooded with tributes from fans and colleagues alike.

“This girl was SO special. My heart is so broken,” wrote one fan on social media.

Actor Anthony Michael Lopez commented: “My deepest condolences, she was such a sweet and happy soul and I’m happy to have met her. She fought so hard. Sending her and your family lots of light and love. Rest easy.”

Comedian Chinedu Unaka added: “Such an extremely talented and kind person. RIP, you’ll be missed.”

Following news of her death, colleagues from across the entertainment industry shared heartfelt tributes.

The Walking Dead co-star Gustavo Gomez wrote: “This is heartbreaking. I feel so lucky that our paths crossed. Your bright light will always shine on.”

Director Michael Satrazemis, who worked with Mack on the show, added: “I was lucky enough to create with her on TWD. A bright light on every level. All my love to those who love her.”

Actress Alanna Masterson, who starred as Tara Chambler in The Walking Dead, penned: “What an incredible human, so proud to have fought alongside her in our final episode together.”

Kelley Mack played Addy in Season 9 of AMC’s The Walking Dead and had dozens of credits across film, television, and commercials.

The actress, born Kelley Lynne Klebenow, passed away in her hometown of Cincinnati.

Mack’s most prominent role was as Addy in five episodes of The Walking Dead’s ninth season, which aired from 2018-2019.

Her character was among 11 people abducted by the Whisperers in the season finale, with deadly consequences for several characters.

Beyond her zombie apocalypse role, Mack appeared in guest spots on Fox’s 9-1-1 (2019), NBC’s Chicago Med (2022), and the Modern Family spinoff Schooled.

Her film credits included Broadcast Signal Intrusion opposite Harry Shum Jr., Mr. Manhattan, and the upcoming Universal, on which she also served as executive producer.

The versatile performer also did extensive commercial work, appearing in spots for Dr. Pepper’s fictional Fansville campaign, Ross Stores, Budweiser, Dairy Queen, Chick-fil-A, and Rakuten (alongside her mother).

She provided voice work for the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), serving as the voice match for Hailee Steinfeld’s Gwen Stacy character.

Born July 10, 1992, in Cincinnati, Mack moved frequently during her childhood, living in Ohio, Missouri, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Illinois, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Her passion for storytelling began early when she received a mini video camera as a birthday gift.

She started acting in commercials as a child and earned an Acting Award from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts for her debut film role as Chloe in The Elephant Garden (2008), which also won the Student Visionary Award at the Tribeca Film Festival.

After graduating from Hinsdale Central High School in 2010, Mack earned a bachelor’s degree in cinematography from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film in 2014.

She spent the past 11 years working in Los Angeles across multiple facets of the entertainment industry.

In addition to her on-screen work, Mack was accomplished behind the camera. She wrote, directed, and edited the 2015 short film Positive and served as cinematographer on the 2014 short The Kingdom.

She produced several short films, including 2016’s A Knock at the Door, which won the Festival Award at the Atlanta Horror Film Festival and earned nominations at FilmQuest.

With her mother, she co-wrote several feature scripts, including On the Black, a 1950s-era college baseball story loosely based on her maternal grandparents’ time as students at Ohio University.

In January 2025, Mack publicly shared her cancer diagnosis on Instagram, revealing that she first noticed symptoms in September 2024.

What initially seemed like back pain from a slipped disc escalated to debilitating shooting pains that forced her to sleep in a recliner for a month.

An emergency MRI conducted the day before Thanksgiving revealed an abnormal mass on her spinal cord.

She was ultimately diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma, a rare and fast-growing form of cancer that begins as tumors in the brain or spine.

The diagnosis process took a physical toll – biopsy surgery on her spinal cord left her wheelchair-bound, robbing her of total function in her right leg and leaving only partial use of her left leg, MailOnline reports.

“I am determined and know that this will eventually be a short chapter in my long book,” she wrote in her January post.

“The positivity, love, and prayers that are being sent my way already is overwhelming, and I feel it all.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mack was known for her warmth and creativity.

She was an accomplished college tennis player who loved hiking, pickleball, biking, playing piano, and traveling.

Her family noted she had a particular fondness for dark chocolate, sports, bourbon, popcorn, fantasy football, stuffed animals, country music, and speaking in a British accent.

Mack is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow; her sister, Kathryn; her brother, Parker (also an actor); her paternal grandparents, Lois and Larry Klebenow; and her boyfriend, Logan Lanier.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on August 16 at the Glendale Lyceum in Glendale, Ohio. The family is also planning a memorial service in Los Angeles for her friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry.

“Her vibrant spirit, creative passion, and dedication to storytelling left an indelible mark on those who knew her and the audiences she captivated through her work,” her family said in their tribute.

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