LagosExplorer reports: Hollywood has been struck by tragedy as The Walking Dead actress Kelley Mack has died at the age of 33, following a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer known as diffuse midline glioma. The actress, best known to global audiences for her role as “Addy” in the ninth season of the hit AMC zombie series, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones in her home state of Ohio.
Kelley Mack, born Kelley Lynne Klebenow on July 10, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was more than just an actress — she was a filmmaker, voice-over artist, and inspiration to many. Her death has triggered an outpouring of grief from fans, former co-stars, and fellow creatives, who remember her as a “bright, fervent light” in both her professional and personal circles.
Kelley first entered the limelight through indie projects before landing the breakout role of Addy in The Walking Dead Season 9. Her character, a member of a young survivor group called the Highwaymen, became a fan favorite due to her resilience and emotional depth — qualities that seemed to mirror Mack’s real-life personality.
She also featured in other high-profile television shows such as Chicago Med and 9-1-1, and lent her voice to commercial campaigns and animated projects. Notably, her voice was matched to that of Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse for promotional spots — further cementing her reputation as a versatile performer.
In total, Kelley appeared in 35 acting credits, and she was a producer on five projects, including the upcoming short film Universal, which remains unreleased.
In late 2024, Mack began experiencing unusual back pain and neuropathic itching. After undergoing emergency medical imaging, doctors diagnosed her with diffuse midline glioma, a rare and typically fatal brain tumour that affects the central nervous system. The tumour, located in her spinal cord, began to severely affect her mobility.
Despite her health challenges, Kelley remained determined. She underwent spinal surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, even as she began relying on a walker and then a wheelchair. Her bravery in the face of devastating illness inspired many, and her updates—shared sparingly through family and private circles—spoke of strength and grace.
“She faced her diagnosis with bravery and unwavering hope,” a family member shared. “Even as the disease took her physical strength, it never touched her spirit.”
Tributes from the Industry and Fans
As news of her death spread, tributes flooded social media. The Walking Dead fan communities expressed heartbreak, sharing GIFs, quotes, and emotional scenes of Addy. A co-star from Season 9 tweeted, “She was as fierce in life as she was on screen. Rest easy, Kelley.”
Fans have taken to platforms like Reddit and Instagram to reflect on her legacy. One user wrote, “Addy deserved more screen time, and Kelley deserved more life. This hurts.”
Early Life and Career Vision
Kelley’s love for cinema was evident from an early age. She once shared that receiving a mini video camera as a child set her on a path toward storytelling. A graduate of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, she majored in cinematography and editing — and remained behind the camera as often as she was in front of it.
Her production work was deeply personal. In 2022, she directed a short film titled Pretty Dead, exploring themes of identity, grief, and survival — themes that now feel hauntingly prescient.