The Walking Dead fandom and those behind the scenes of the hit series are grieving the loss of actress Kelley Mack, who passed away on August 2 at the age of 33 after battling glioma, a rare form of brain cancer. Fans, fellow cast members, and show creators have expressed their condolences, remembering Mack for her talent and vibrant spirit.
Mack was best known for her role as Addy in The Walking Dead Season 9. She joined the cast as a member of the Hilltop community, quickly becoming a fan favorite with her mature and sensible portrayal of the character. Addy’s tragic death in the series was a pivotal moment, and Mack’s performance left a lasting impression on viewers. Her portrayal was much loved by fans, who mourned the loss of her character on the show.
Tributes Pour In From Fans and Colleagues
Following Mack's passing, Walking Dead fans took to social media to honor the actress, sharing their memories of meeting her at conventions like Walker Stalker Con and celebrating her contributions to the series. Many fans recalled her warm and kind-hearted nature, describing her as someone who made them feel like family.
Showrunner Scott M. Gimple also shared heartfelt words about Mack. On social media, he expressed his sorrow and remembered her as not only a talented actress but as a person who truly understood the art of storytelling. He described Mack as someone who “brought warmth and life” to every role she played.
“Kelley Mack was a star both on and off the screen. Her passion for acting was only matched by the kindness she showed to others. She will be deeply missed by everyone who had the honor of working with her,” said Gimple.
A Glimpse Into Her Life
Mack, born Kelley Klebenow in Ohio, attended Dodge College of Film at Chapman University in California and went on to build a successful career as both an actress and a producer. Over the years, she accumulated 35 acting credits and 5 producing credits. Apart from her notable role in The Walking Dead, Mack appeared in several other popular TV shows and films, including Chicago Med, 9-1-1, and the indie movie Broadcast Signal Intrusion.
Mack was also a talented voice artist and worked on several projects, including voicing Gwen Stacy in the Academy Award-winning film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Her love for the craft and dedication to her roles earned her respect and admiration from both her peers and her fans.
A Celebration of Life
On August 16, Mack's family will hold a celebration of life in her hometown of Ohio. A separate memorial will be held later in Los Angeles, where she spent the last 11 years of her life working in the entertainment industry. Her CaringBridge page has been updated with information regarding these events, along with a tribute honoring her memory.
Despite the loss, her family and fans are taking solace in the impact she left behind. “Her creative passion, vibrant spirit, and dedication to storytelling will never be forgotten,” reads part of the tribute.
Continuing Her Legacy
Mack’s legacy lives on in the characters she portrayed and the joy she brought to others. As The Walking Dead fandom reflects on her life and career, many fans are revisiting her memorable scenes as Addy, appreciating her powerful performances once more.
The Walking Dead franchise continues to be a major part of pop culture, and while Mack’s time on the show was tragically short, her contribution to the series and the memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her work.
Rest in Peace, Kelley Mack
Mack’s passing is a painful reminder of the fragility of life, but her legacy, both in front of the camera and in the hearts of those who knew her, will continue to shine brightly. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
