‘Walking Dead’ Actress Kelley Mack Dies at 33

Talented performer succumbs to brain tumor

Actress Kelley Mack, recognized for her roles in “The Walking Dead” and “Chicago Med,” has passed away. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news on Saturday, sharing their grief on social media.

A Bright Light Extinguished

The 33-year-old performer, whose birth name was Kelley Klebenow, died in her hometown of Cincinnati. Her family announced her passing with a poignant statement: “Sadly we announce the death of our beloved Kelley. A light so bright and fervent that he has traveled to the hereafter, where we all have eventually go,” said her brother.

Mack died peacefully on Saturday evening, surrounded by her mother, Kristen, and aunt, Karen. The cause of her death was a central nervous system glioma, a type of tumor affecting the brain or spinal cord, according to information shared on the Caringbridge social network.

Notable Roles and Education

Audiences will remember Mack for her portrayal of Addy in the ninth season of the hit series “The Walking Dead.” She also appeared as Penélope Jacobs in the eighth season of “Chicago Med” and in the Fox series “9-1-1.”

Beyond her acting career, Mack was an accomplished student. She graduated from Hinsdale Central High School and earned a Bachelor of Cinematography from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.

The incidence of brain tumors, while relatively rare, impacts thousands annually. In the United States, an estimated 24,000 people were diagnosed with primary brain and other central nervous system cancers in 2023, according to the National Cancer Institute (National Cancer Institute).