It’s with heavy hearts that fans around the world mourn actress and filmmaker Kelley Mack, whose sudden passing on August 2, 2025, has sparked an outpouring of grief. Best known for playing Addy in Season 9 of The Walking Dead, Mack was also seen as Penelope Jacobs in Chicago Med and appeared on 9‑1‑1.
In 2025, she starred in the comedy‑drama Universal, released on June 21. Her Instagram tribute from family described her as “a bright, fervent light” who bravely battled central nervous system glioma in her final months.
A naturally gifted storyteller, Kelley Mack's versatility as an actress, producer, voice‑over artist, and content creator made her a beloved figure.
In 2025, her sudden death reverberated across entertainment media and social platforms, where followers shared clips of her Walking Dead scenes, Chicago Med guest appearance, and trailers for Delicate Arch and Universal. Her voice‑match work as Spider‑Gwen in Spider‑Man: Into the Spider‑Verse/Hyundai campaign also drew admiration for its viral reach.
While she didn’t chase the spotlight, her fashion sense — especially through her characters — left an impression on fans and stylists alike.
Uncovering Their Roots: Family, Culture & Early Influences
Born Kelley Klebenow on July 10, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kelley grew up in a family anchored in Midwestern values and creativity. Her father, Lindsay, worked in business and real estate, while her mother, Kristen, had studied theater in college and ignited Kelley’s early passion for performance. Kelley’s brother, Parker Mack, now a working actor, and sister, Kathryn, are part of a close‑knit, storytelling family upbringing.
She won her first acting award as a teenager for her starring role as Chloe in the 2008 short The Elephant Garden, filmed while she studied at Tisch School of the Arts. That film also took home a Student Visionary Award at Tribeca. Although she later explored film production and cinematography in college, her heart remained in front of the camera.
While height and weight have remained private, Kelley was often described on IMDb as approximately 5′3″ and possessing an energetic screen presence that belied her petite frame. Her upbringing included frequent moves across states due to her father’s work, a childhood she credits with making her adaptable and empathetic as an actor.
She graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 2010 and went on to earn a degree in Cinematography from Chapman University’s Dodge College in 2014 — a choice that broadened her creative skillset and informed her dual roles as actress‑producer.
Inside Their Private World: Love, Family & Daily Life in 2025
In news that softened the blow of her passing, Kelley Mack’s family shared that she had been in a relationship with Logan Lanier in her final years. While Kelley largely kept her personal life private, Logan was acknowledged as a partner in family tributes, reflecting her preference to draw boundaries while still valuing meaningful connections.
She was known to cherish quiet family moments, hobby‑driven downtime, and analog escapes from constant screens. Friends say she kept a balance between creative energy and mental health, even as she took on demanding roles across TV, film, and production.
How Kelley Mack Built Their Career Brick by Brick
Kelley’s professional journey began early: commercials as a child, moving into a breakthrough role in The Elephant Garden (2008). That short led to multiple festival wins and solidified her love for both acting and film crafting. She studied film behind the lens with internships, but acting remained her clear passion — a realization she shared in interviews recounting her college‑era detour into production work before returning full‑time to performance.
Her recurring role as Addy in The Walking Dead Season 9 (2018–2019) marked her entry into major network storytelling. Though the character met a tragic fate, her screen presence brought surprising emotional resonance and attention. She followed that with a guest role as Penelope Jacobs on Chicago Med, appearing in Season 8, Episode 6, airing November 2, 2022.
She continued to expand her scope, starring in Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021) as Alice, leading Delicate Arch (2024) as Wilda, and landing a starring/producer role in Universal, released June 2025. Her voice‑over work included providing the voice match for Spider‑Gwen in an Oscar‑winning animation tie‑in and for global brands like Herbal Essences, Credit Karma, and Dr. Pepper.
What Happened to Kelley Mack? A Look Into Her Death and Legacy in 2025
Kelley Mack passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, in Cincinnati after bravely battling a rare form of central nervous system glioma. She was just 33 years old.
Her family confirmed her death via an emotional Instagram post, calling her “a bright, fervent light,” and sharing that she had symbolically appeared to loved ones as butterflies — a final, graceful sign of her spirit. Kelley’s mother, Kristen, and aunt Karen were by her side during her final moments.
News of her passing sent ripples across the entertainment industry. Tributes from The Walking Dead and Chicago Med co-stars, directors, and fans flooded social media platforms, remembering her not only for her artistry but for her empathy and sincerity off-screen.
A public remembrance will be held on August 16 in Ohio, with a celebration of life scheduled later in Los Angeles. Her legacy, amplified by her work in film and television, continues to inspire heartfelt tributes and reflections online.
Known for her glowing skin both on and off camera, Kelley Mack’s skincare and beauty routines became a quiet fascination among fans.
How Much They Earned: Kelley Mack’s Net Worth & Income in 2025
As of mid‑2025, Kelley Mack’s net worth was estimated at $5 million, derived from her work as an actress, producer, voice‑over artist, and commercial presence. While no official financial disclosures exist, data compiled by Celebrity Birthdays and other reputable outlets align on that figure.
Her income sources included recurring television roles (The Walking Dead, Chicago Med, 9‑1‑1), lead and supporting roles in indie films (Broadcast Signal Intrusion, Delicate Arch, Universal), voice‑over campaigns for major brands, and producing short films that won festival awards. She also generated revenue from commercials, such as those for Dr. Pepper, Budweiser, Ross Stores, and others.
Although she maintained modest spending habits, Kelley invested in a life driven by creative exploration rather than flashy luxury. Her impact on fans and colleagues underscores a legacy beyond numbers.
Off-screen, Kelley Mack lived a grounded, minimalist lifestyle that reflected in her personal choices and creative balance.
Fast Facts You Didn’t Know About Kelley Mack
Before her roles on major TV dramas, Kelley won Best Actress honors at Tribeca and First Run Festival for The Elephant Garden as a student. She produced award‑winning shorts like A Knock at the Door, received festival recognition across FilmQuest and Hollywood Fringe, and co-wrote feature scripts with her mother under their own creative banner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelley Mack
Who is Kelley Mack, and why is she well-known?
Kelley Mack was an American actress best known for her roles in The Walking Dead as Addy and Chicago Med. She gained recognition for portraying characters with quiet strength and depth. Beyond her acting, Kelley was admired for her grounded lifestyle and influence on fans who followed her both on screen and online.
When did Kelley Mack begin acting?
Her first credited role was in the 2008 short The Elephant Garden, while she was still in college, earning several awards early on.
Which TV shows featured Kelley Mack?
She appeared as Addy on The Walking Dead Season 9 (2018–19), guest-starred as Penelope Jacobs on Chicago Med in 2022, and had an episode on 9‑1‑1 in 2019.
What notable films has she appeared in?
She played Alice in Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021), and starred in the horror‑comedy Delicate Arch (2024), followed by Universal, where she also served as executive producer in 2025.
How did Kelley Mack pass away?
She succumbed to a rare glioma affecting the central nervous system, passing peacefully on August 2, 2025, at the age of 33, with her mother and aunt at her side.
Is there a Kelley Mack Wikipedia page?
Yes, Kelley Mack has a Wikipedia page, though it may not include all her personal or professional details.