Kelley Mack, ‘The Walking Dead’ actress, dies at 33 after rare cancer battle

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kelley Mack, best known for her role as Addy in 'The Walking Dead', has died at the age of 33 after a battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Her family announced the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing that she died on August 2 with her mother and aunt by her side.

Kelley Mack revealed rare cancer diagnosis in January

Kelley Mack, whose full name was Kelley Lynne Klebenow, was diagnosed earlier this year with diffuse midline glioma, a fast-growing and rare cancer of the central nervous system.

In a January Instagram post, Mack shared that her symptoms began in September 2024 with persistent lower back pain, which she initially believed to be a slipped disc. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, with shooting pains and loss of mobility following a spinal cord biopsy that left her dependent on a wheelchair.

She died peacefully on August 2, surrounded by family.

“Kelley passed peacefully on Saturday evening with her loving mother Kristen and steadfast aunt Karen present,” her family shared in a statement on Instagram. "Kelley has already come to many of her loved ones in the form of various butterflies 🦋 ❤️. She will be missed by so many to depths that words cannot express."

Loved ones honor Kelley Mack

Kelley Mack's sister penned a moving tribute in the announcement, writing: “It is with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear Kelley. Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go.”

She added, “And as her sister, I want you all to know how brave that tough SOB was, especially when she decided to make the leap to be reunited with God. I’m so f*****g proud of her.”

Her family noted a celebration of life will be held in Glendale, Ohio, on August 16. A second memorial for her friends and colleagues in Los Angeles will take place at a later date.

Aunt Karen also shared her grief through a moving message on Instagram: “I am sad in my heart as my niece Kelley left this world to hang out with my mom and dad in heaven. Way too young. She is a beautiful soul and will be the best angel ever,” she wrote. “I guess she wanted to go wish my dad happy birthday and Gramma and Grandpa Fish happy anniversary in person. Grandpa Fish would be 92. They are having a fun time I am sure. Miss you all so much!”

Who was Kelley Mack?

Kelley Mack's breakout role came as Addy in Season 9 of 'The Walking Dead', which aired from 2018 to 2019. She also had guest appearances on '9-1-1', 'Schooled', and 'Chicago Med', and starred in the 2024 independent film 'Universal'.

In addition to acting, she worked as a producer, cinematographer, and voice actor, including recording for 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'.

Born in Cincinnati, Mack moved frequently during her upbringing, living in Missouri, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Illinois. She studied cinematography at Chapman University and worked in the LA area for over a decade.

In her final Instagram post, Mack expressed hope that her story would help others, writing: “I am determined and know that this will eventually be a short chapter in my long book.”

She is survived by her mother Kristen, father Lindsay, sister Kathryn, brother Parker, her grandparents and her boyfriend Logan Lanier.