Remembering Kelley Mack: A Bright Light in Entertainment

Kelley Mack, a talented actress known for her roles in The Walking Dead and Chicago Med, passed away on August 2, 2025, at the age of 33 after a courageous battle with central nervous system glioma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Her family announced her passing in Cincinnati, Ohio, surrounded by loved ones, marking the end of a vibrant career and a life filled with passion for storytelling. This article celebrates Mack’s contributions to the entertainment industry, her personal journey, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Kelley Lynne Klebenow on July 10, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mack 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 emerged early when she received a mini video camera as a birthday gift. She began acting in commercials as a child, showcasing her natural talent. Her first significant role came in 2008 as Chloe in the short film The Elephant Garden, which earned her an acting award from the Tisch School of Arts and a student visionary award at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Mack 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. Her education and early experiences laid the foundation for a multifaceted career in acting, producing, and screenwriting.

Rise to Fame

Mack gained widespread recognition for her role as Addy, a Hilltop Colony resident, in five episodes of The Walking Dead’s ninth season (2018-2019). Her performance, though brief, was memorable, particularly in the season finale where her character faced a tragic fate at the hands of the Whisperers. She also portrayed Penelope Jacobs in Season 8 of Chicago Med (2022), a role that highlighted her ability to bring depth to ensemble casts. Additionally, Mack appeared in a 2019 episode of 9-1-1 and starred in films such as Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021), Delicate Arch (2024), and the recently released Universal (2025), where she also served as an executive producer.

Beyond acting, Mack’s voice work included serving as Hailee Steinfeld’s voice match for Gwen Stacy in the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq commercial. She also appeared in numerous commercials for brands like Budweiser, Dr Pepper, Dairy Queen, Chick-fil-A, and Rakuten, often collaborating with her mother, Kristen Klebenow.

Creative Contributions

Mack’s talents extended beyond the screen. She wrote several feature scripts with her mother, including On the Black, a 1950s-era college baseball story inspired by her maternal grandparents’ time at Ohio University. She also wrote, directed, and edited the 2015 short film Positive and served as cinematographer for the 2014 short The Kingdom. Her work as an executive producer on Universal demonstrated her growing influence in the industry. Mack described Universal as a “comedy/drama/sci-fi” about academics whose romantic getaway is interrupted by a significant discovery, showcasing her ability to blend genres.

Health Battle and Resilience

In September 2024, Mack publicly shared her diagnosis of diffused midline glioma, a rare type of astrocytoma cancer affecting the central nervous system. She underwent aggressive treatment, including proton radiation, which she completed in March 2025. Despite her health challenges, Mack continued to work and engage with her fans, sharing updates on her journey. In an Instagram post from Florida, she wrote about adjusting to new environments while drawing strength from the support of her loved ones. Her resilience and openness about her battle inspired many.

Personal Life and Legacy

Off-screen, Mack was an accomplished college tennis player who enjoyed hiking, pickleball, biking, playing the piano, and traveling. She is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow; her siblings, Kathryn and Parker (also an actor); her grandparents, Lois and Larry Klebenow; and her boyfriend, Logan Lanier. Her family noted that Mack’s presence lingered symbolically, with loved ones seeing her in the form of butterflies after her passing, a poignant reflection of her enduring impact.

Mack’s family and colleagues remembered her as a “bright, fervent light” whose warmth and talent touched countless lives. Tributes poured in from co-stars like Michael E. Satrazemis and Gustavo Gomez, who praised her as a radiant presence both on and off the set. A recognition and remembrance ceremony is scheduled for August 16, 2025, in Glendale, Ohio, with a celebration of life planned in Los Angeles at a later date.

Conclusion

Despite her short career, Kelley Mack’s versatility, creativity, and deep passion for storytelling marked her legacy. From her early days in commercials to her roles in major TV series and films, she profoundly influenced the entertainment industry. Her courage in facing a rare cancer and her commitment to her craft even in the face of adversity serve as a testament to her strength and spirit. As fans and loved ones gather to honor her memory, Mack’s legacy as a talented actress, producer, and writer will live on.