Kelley Mack remembered for powerful performances and fearless storytelling
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Aug 07, 2025, 00:01 IST
( Image credit : ANI )
Highlight of the story: Kelley Mack, known for her role as Addy in The Walking Dead, passed away at 33 after battling glioma. Mack, who also appeared in 9-1-1 and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, was a multifaceted artist. Her short film A Knock at the Door won awards, and a memorial service will be held in Ohio.
Kelley Mack, the actress and filmmaker best known for her role as Addy in The Walking Dead, passed away on August 2 at the age of 33 after a courageous battle with glioma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement posted to Instagram, describing her as a “bright, fervent light” whose presence will be deeply missed.
Born Kelley Lynne Klebenow on July 10, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mack began her creative journey early in life, acting in commercials during childhood. Over the years, she developed into a multifaceted artist who worked both in front of and behind the camera, leaving a lasting impact across television, independent cinema, and animation.
Audiences widely recognized Mack for her role in The Walking Dead, where she played Addy, a young survivor who was taken by the sinister Whisperers in Season 9. Her character’s emotional arc and harrowing storyline resonated with viewers and showcased her depth as a performer.
Mack’s television career also included roles in series such as 9-1-1, Chicago, and Schooled, a spinoff of Modern Family. In independent film, she appeared in Broadcast Signal Intrusion opposite Harry Shum Jr., as well as Mr. Manhattan and Universal—a feature in which she also served as executive producer. These projects highlighted her ability to seamlessly shift between acting and creative leadership.
Behind the scenes, Mack was a passionate storyteller and filmmaker. Her 2016 short film A Knock at the Door, which she produced, won the Festival Award at the Atlanta Horror Film Festival and earned two FilmQuest nominations. She also wrote, directed, and edited Positive (2005) and worked as a cinematographer on The Kingdom (2014), reflecting a diverse and determined artistic spirit.
Mack even left her mark on animation, lending her voice as a match for Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, originally voiced by Hailee Steinfeld. Her contribution added another layer to her expanding portfolio and proved her versatility across genres and formats.
A memorial service will be held on August 16 at the Glendale Lyceum in Ohio, near her hometown, with a separate celebration of life being planned in Los Angeles by friends and colleagues from the entertainment industry.
Though her life was tragically cut short, Kelley Mack leaves behind a legacy defined by fearless creativity, emotional resonance, and a tireless commitment to her craft. Her work continues to inspire audiences and aspiring artists alike, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of a singular voice.
Born Kelley Lynne Klebenow on July 10, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mack began her creative journey early in life, acting in commercials during childhood. Over the years, she developed into a multifaceted artist who worked both in front of and behind the camera, leaving a lasting impact across television, independent cinema, and animation.
Audiences widely recognized Mack for her role in The Walking Dead, where she played Addy, a young survivor who was taken by the sinister Whisperers in Season 9. Her character’s emotional arc and harrowing storyline resonated with viewers and showcased her depth as a performer.
Mack’s television career also included roles in series such as 9-1-1, Chicago, and Schooled, a spinoff of Modern Family. In independent film, she appeared in Broadcast Signal Intrusion opposite Harry Shum Jr., as well as Mr. Manhattan and Universal—a feature in which she also served as executive producer. These projects highlighted her ability to seamlessly shift between acting and creative leadership.
Behind the scenes, Mack was a passionate storyteller and filmmaker. Her 2016 short film A Knock at the Door, which she produced, won the Festival Award at the Atlanta Horror Film Festival and earned two FilmQuest nominations. She also wrote, directed, and edited Positive (2005) and worked as a cinematographer on The Kingdom (2014), reflecting a diverse and determined artistic spirit.
Mack even left her mark on animation, lending her voice as a match for Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, originally voiced by Hailee Steinfeld. Her contribution added another layer to her expanding portfolio and proved her versatility across genres and formats.
A memorial service will be held on August 16 at the Glendale Lyceum in Ohio, near her hometown, with a separate celebration of life being planned in Los Angeles by friends and colleagues from the entertainment industry.
Though her life was tragically cut short, Kelley Mack leaves behind a legacy defined by fearless creativity, emotional resonance, and a tireless commitment to her craft. Her work continues to inspire audiences and aspiring artists alike, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of a singular voice.