Actress Kelley Mack, Known for Roles in The Walking Dead and Chicago Med, Passes Away at 33.
Kelley Mack, a talented actress widely recognized for her work on the hit series The Walking Dead, has passed away at the age of 33. Her death occurred on August 2, following a battle with glioma—a rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting the central nervous system. The news of her passing was confirmed through her obituary, published on Tuesday, August 5, and also shared by her loved ones via her official social media accounts.
Who was Kelley Mack
Born Kelley Klebenow in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mack was not only an actress but also a producer, with a career marked by dedication to her craft, creative vision, and a genuine passion for storytelling. Her family shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram page, 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.”
Mack amassed 35 acting credits over her career, along with five production credits. She rose to prominence for her portrayal of Addy in Season 9 of AMC’s The Walking Dead, one of television’s most acclaimed and long-running dramas, which aired from 2010 until its final season concluded in 2022. Her performance on the show garnered attention and admiration from fans and critics alike, helping solidify her place in the television industry.
In addition to her role on The Walking Dead, Mack also appeared in notable TV shows including Chicago Med, where she played the character Penelope Jacobs in Season 8, and FOX’s 9-1-1. Her film roles included playing Alice in the psychological thriller Broadcast Signal Intrusion, and most recently, she starred as Wilda in the indie drama Delicate Arch.
Beyond film and television, Mack also had an extensive career in commercial work. She appeared in national campaigns for well-known brands such as Dr. Pepper, Dairy Queen, Ross Dress for Less, and Chick-fil-A. In a particularly special project, she recently appeared in a Rakuten commercial alongside her mother, Kristen, which highlighted not just her professional talents but her close bond with her family.
Kelley Mack’s Career
Mack was also active in the voice-over industry. One of her significant contributions included serving as the voice match for Gwen Stacy—originally voiced by Hailee Steinfeld—in the Oscar-winning animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Her versatility as a performer allowed her to seamlessly transition between on-camera roles and voice acting, showcasing her wide range of artistic abilities.
Raised in Illinois, Mack graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 2010. She later pursued higher education at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts in Orange, California, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in cinematography in 2014. Her passion for storytelling began at a young age when she received a video camera as a birthday present. This formative gift sparked a lifelong love for filmmaking and performance. She began acting in commercials during her youth and eventually moved to Los Angeles, where she lived and worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Mack was known for her vibrant personality and her deep love for life. According to her obituary, she was admired for her warmth, creativity, and the unwavering support she offered to those around her. She found true joy in collaborative storytelling and cherished spending quality time with her family and friends. Outside of her career, Mack enjoyed a variety of hobbies and outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, pickleball, playing the piano, and traveling to new places.
Kelley Mack’s Family
Mack’s creative legacy will continue through a forthcoming posthumous appearance in an upcoming Universal Pictures project, where she plays a character named Ricky.
She is survived by her loving parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow; her younger siblings, sister Kathryn and brother Parker Klebenow, who is also an actor; her grandparents, Lois and Larry; and her beloved boyfriend, Logan, who was described as her dearest companion.
Kelley Mack’s passing is a profound loss to the entertainment world, but her work and the impact she had on those who knew and admired her will continue to resonate. She is remembered not only for her artistic contributions but also for her spirit, kindness, and enduring love for storytelling.
