Actress and filmmaker Kelley Mack, who appeared in the hit series ‘The Walking Dead’ and produced the horror film ‘On the Black,’ has passed away at 33 following a cancer battle. Her family confirmed her death on August 2, with her sister, Kathryn Klebenow, sharing the news with Fox News Digital. Mack, born as Kelley Lynne Klebenow, had been fighting a rare form of glioma cancer, specifically affecting the central nervous system. Her passing was noted as peaceful, with her mother, Kristen, and aunt, Karen, by her side.
The details of her illness began unfolding publicly in January, when Mack shared her diagnosis on social media, detailing her symptoms that led to the emergency MRIs and eventual diagnosis. She described persistent lower back pain, neuropathic itching, and shooting pains that led to losing the use of her legs, relying on a walker and wheelchair. Her final social media post, dated March 26, showed her re-learning to walk. Her family expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing that she had already touched many loved ones in the form of various butterflies, a metaphor for her impact on others.
Mack’s career was a blend of acting and filmmaking. Her most notable role was as Addy in Season 9 of ‘The Walking Dead,’ where she brought depth to the character. In addition to her role in the show, Mack also appeared in ‘Chicago Med,’ showcasing her versatility as an actress. She also contributed to the industry as a filmmaker, producing the horror film ‘On the Black,’ a 1950s-era college baseball story co-written with her mother and distributed by Shudder, which was recognized at the Atlanta Horror Film Festival. Her creative journey began with a mini video camera, leading to a breakout performance in ‘The Elephant Garden,’ which earned her an acting award and recognition at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Mack also had a notable role as a voice actor in ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,’ further demonstrating her range in the entertainment industry. Outside of acting, she was known for her adventurous spirit, enjoying activities like hiking, biking, and playing piano. Her family described her as someone who brought energy and joy to everything she did, and her infectious enthusiasm inspired many in the industry and beyond.
Her passing has affected her family, who have planned a celebration of her life on August 16 at the Glendale Lyceum in Ohio, with a separate memorial in Los Angeles. She is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow, her sister, Kathryn, her brother, actor Parker Mack, her grandparents, and her boyfriend, Logan Lanier. The entertainment industry has lost a talented individual whose creative contributions will be remembered for years to come.