Actor Kelley Mack, known for her role in "The Walking Dead," experienced an unforeseen demise. It's reported that she was still actively pursuing new projects, with auditions as recent as June.
Kelley Mack, best known for her role as Addy in season 9 of 'The Walking Dead', passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, at the age of 33. The news of her death was announced on Tuesday.
Mack's career took off after 'The Walking Dead', with extensive work in commercials and voice-overs. She was a notable presence in Dr Pepper’s "Fansville" ads and voice spots for Hyundai Ioniq, Budweiser, and Credit Karma. Mack also appeared as Penelope Jacobs in season 8 of 'Chicago Med' and on FOX’s '9-1-1' series.
Her journey with the entertainment industry began in Cincinnati, where she was born in 1992. She earned a cinematography degree from Chapman University's Dodge College of Film in 2014 and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting and film career.
In September 2020, Mack announced her diagnosis of diffuse midline glioma, a rare type of astrocytoma cancer, on her Instagram account. This aggressive form of brain cancer affected her central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
In the following months, Mack underwent emergency MRIs on Thanksgiving Eve, revealing an abnormal mass in her spinal cord. She completed proton radiation treatment and was undergoing physical therapy as of March 14. However, her health took a sudden turn, and she passed surrounded by her mother Kristen and aunt Karen.
Despite her illness, Mack's spirit remained strong. She was proudly walking up some stairs with assistance by March 26. Her loved ones have reported seeing butterflies since her passing, a symbol of her continued presence.
Mack's character Addy's story in 'The Walking Dead' involved her being a young Hilltop resident with a crush on Henry, who ultimately met a tragic fate along with others in the series’ storyline involving the Whisperers.
Mack is survived by her parents, siblings, grandparents, and her boyfriend. A recognition and remembrance of her life will be held in her home state of Ohio on Aug. 16, and a celebration of life will be held in Los Angeles for her friends and colleagues.
Her sister stated that she was proud of her for deciding to be reunited with God. Mack's reps were surprised by the sudden turn in her health, and her death was unexpected. During her illness, she lost the use of her right leg and most of her left leg due to a biopsy surgery on her spinal cord. She was using a walker and wheelchair to get around.
The statement from Mack's reps was provided to People magazine, expressing their shock and condolences. Mack's legacy will live on through her work and the impact she made on those around her.
[1] People Magazine [2] Deadline [3] Variety
- In an unexpected turn, UK celeb team, Kelley Mack, known for her roles in 'The Walking Dead', 'Chicago Med', and FOX’s '9-1-1', unfortunately passed away due to a battle with cancer, specifically diffuse midline glioma, a rare type of astrocytoma.
- Despite her diagnosis in September 2020, Mack remained a beacon of strength, her spirit unbroken, even walking up some stairs with assistance just a month before her demise.
- In addition to her impressive acting career, Mack's life was marked by her advocacy for mental health and health-and-wellness, reflecting her commitment to women's content and overall betterment.
- The entertainment industry mourns the loss of this shining star, with many celebrities expressing their condolences and sharing memories of their time together.
- Mack's legacy continues to inspire, not just through her timely and powerful performances, but also through her brave and courageous fight against medical-conditions like cancer, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
