Remembering Kelley Mack: A Bright Star in Film and Life

On August 2, 2025, the entertainment world lost a vibrant talent, Kelley Mack, who passed away at 33 in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, after a courageous battle with glioma of the central nervous system. Known for her role as Addy on The Walking Dead, Kelley was more than an actress; she was a producer, voice-over artist, and storyteller whose warmth and creativity touched countless lives. This blog post celebrates her remarkable career, personal passions, and enduring legacy.

A Multifaceted Career in Entertainment

Kelley Mack, born Kelley Lynne Klebenow on July 10, 1992, left an indelible mark on film and television. With 35 acting credits and five as a producer, her versatility shone through in projects across genres. She gained recognition as Addy, a Hilltop Colony resident, in five episodes of The Walking Dead Season 9 (2018-2019), where her character’s dramatic arc, including abduction by the Whisperers, captivated audiences. Her television work also included guest roles on 9-1-1 (2019), Chicago Med (2022) as Penelope Jacobs, Schooled, and miniseries like Unusual Suspects (2015) and Grayson: Earth One (2015).

In film, Kelley starred in Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021) alongside Harry Shum Jr., Delicate Arch (2024), Mr. Manhattan, and the upcoming Universal (2025), where she also served as an executive producer. Her voice-over work was equally impressive, notably as the voice match for Hailee Steinfeld’s Gwen Stacy in the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and in a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq commercial. Kelley’s commercial portfolio included brands like Dr Pepper, Budweiser, Eli Lilly, Dairy Queen, and Rakuten, the latter featuring her alongside her mother, Kristen.

As a producer, Kelley’s credits included the award-winning short A Knock at the Door (2016), which earned the Jury Choice Award at the Atlanta Horror Film Festival and was distributed on AMC’s Shudder. She also produced The Perfect One and Positive (2015), the latter of which she wrote, and served as an associate producer on the upcoming TV series Eclipse. Her first acting role in The Elephant Garden (2008) won her an Acting Award from Tisch School of the Arts, with the film receiving a Student Visionary Award at the Tribeca Film Festival.

A Life Full of Passion

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kelley grew up in various cities, including Wyoming, Ohio; Mount Lookout, Ohio; Ellisville, Missouri; Avon, Connecticut; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Hinsdale, Illinois. Her love for storytelling sparked early when she received a mini video camera as a birthday gift, leading to childhood roles in commercials. She graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 2010 and earned a bachelor’s degree in cinematography from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film in 2014, focusing on film production while honing her acting craft.

Beyond the screen, Kelley was a college tennis player who enjoyed hiking, pickleball, biking, playing piano, and traveling. Her quirky loves included dark chocolate, bourbon, popcorn, fantasy football, stuffed and real animals, country music, and speaking in a British accent. A lifelong smoker, she faced her cancer diagnosis with resilience, sharing updates about her treatment and recovery, including regaining mobility after losing the use of her legs due to spinal cord biopsy surgery. Her boyfriend, Logan Lanier, was a pillar of support during her journey.

A Heartfelt Farewell

Kelley passed away peacefully with her mother, Kristen, and aunt, Karen, by her side. Her sister, Kathryn, shared the news on Kelley’s Instagram, writing, “Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go.” The post noted Kelley’s appearances as butterflies to loved ones, symbolizing her enduring spirit. Tributes poured in, with The Walking Dead co-star Anthony Michael Lopez saying, “Kelley was such a sweet and happy soul and I’m happy to have met her. She fought so hard.”

Kelley is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow; sister, Kathryn; brother, Parker, also an actor; grandparents, Lois and Larry; and boyfriend, Logan. A remembrance service is set for August 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Glendale Lyceum in Glendale, Ohio, with a celebration of life planned in Los Angeles for her industry friends.

A Legacy That Lives On

Kelley Mack’s storytelling, whether on screen, behind the camera, or in her vibrant personal life, left a lasting impact. Her family noted that her creative work touched audiences worldwide, and her courage in facing illness inspired those around her. As we remember Kelley, we celebrate a woman who lived passionately, loved deeply, and shared her light with the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to cancer research organizations in Kelley’s memory.