Kelley Mack, best known for her portrayal of Addy on AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” died Saturday in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. She was 33.
The actor’s death was confirmed Tuesday by her sister, Kathryn Klebenow.
“It is with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear Kelley,” Klebenow wrote on Mack’s official Instagram page. “Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go.”
“Kelley has already come to many of her loved ones in the form of various butterflies. She will be missed by so many to depths that words cannot express,” she continued. “And as her sister, I want you all to know how brave that tough SOB was, especially when she decided to make the leap to be reunited with God. I’m so fucking proud of her.”
An obituary posted to CaringBridge included similar sentiments from loved ones.
“Kelley was known for her warmth, creativity, and unwavering support for those around her. She cherished time with her family and friends, finding joy in collaboration and storytelling,” the obit read. “Her infectious enthusiasm and dedication to her work inspired countless offers in the industry and beyond. Beyond her love for God, family and her career, Kelley enthusiastically enjoyed life.”
Agent Julie Smith confirmed the cause of Mack’s death to be glioma of the central nervous system, an extremely rare type of astrocytoma cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, gliomas are “the most common type of malignant primary brain tumor in adults.”
Mack first went public with her cancer diagnosis in January and, since then, had been keeping fans regularly updated on her health journey on social media.
“Overall, this journey has not been easy, but things are getting better — improvements are tough to see when you’re in the thick of it,” she wrote on Instagram in March.
Days later, the actor ― who had required the use of a walker and a wheelchair ― shared a short video of herself re-learning how to climb a staircase.
“It’s a big deal for me,” she wrote. “Life has also had its ups and downs lately am I right lol.”
Mack ― whose brother is fellow actor Parker Mack ― got her start in show business as a child, appearing in commercials for Dr. Pepper, Chick-fil-A and Dairy Queen, among other corporations. She later attended California’s Chapman University, where she studied cinematography.
Her most significant role came in 2018, when she landed the part of Addy on “The Walking Dead.” She went on to appear on “Chicago Med,” among other television series.
At the time of her death, Mack had been actively promoting her latest film, “Universal.” The science-fiction dramedy was directed by Stephen Portland and premiered at Los Angeles’ Dances with Films festival in June.
“I hope it makes people walk away wondering if there’s a bigger meaning or purpose to life,” she told Film Inquiry last month. “I liked that aspect of really trying to consider: maybe we’re here for an actual reason. Other than loving the character, that was a big reason I loved the script. I think it could open people’s eyes—even just for a night—to wonder why we’re here.”
In addition to her two siblings, Mack is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow; grandparents Lois and Larry Klebenow; and her boyfriend, Logan Lanier.