Who is Kelley Mack? 'The Walking Dead' star who died at 33, relationship with boyfriend & more

Kelley Mack, the actress known for her roles in The Walking Dead and Chicago Med, has passed away at the age of 33. The Cincinnati-born performer died on Saturday, August 2, after a battle with glioma, a type of cancer affecting the central nervous system. Her family confirmed the news via a statement shared on Mack’s official Instagram page.

A Farewell from Her Family

In a heartfelt message, her loved ones expressed the loss with deeply personal words. “It is with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear Kelley. Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go,” the post read.

Her final moments were shared with her mother Kristen and her aunt Karen, who were present when she passed peacefully. The message also mentioned how many of Mack’s family and friends have already felt her presence since her passing, often in the form of butterflies — a symbol they believe she now embodies.

Her Family and Personal Life

Mack is survived by her parents Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow, her sister Kathryn, her brother Parker, and her grandparents Lois and Larry Klebenow. She is also survived by her boyfriend Logan Lanier.

While Lanier kept a low public profile, Mack occasionally shared moments from their life together. In an Instagram post from January, she revealed that the couple had moved into a new apartment the previous September. She went on to detail the early signs of her illness, which began with persistent back pain that later escalated into shooting pains and neuropathic symptoms. It was on the eve of Thanksgiving that emergency MRIs revealed an abnormal mass in her spinal cord, confirming the presence of a tumor.

A Career That Began Early

Kelley Lynne Klebenow, professionally known as Kelley Mack, was born in 1992 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her journey into the world of acting began early. As a child, she appeared in commercials and advertisements, laying the foundation for a future in performance.

Her official debut came in 2008 with the short film The Elephant Garden, which quickly gained attention. The project earned her an Acting Award from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, as well as the Student Visionary Award at the Tribeca Film Festival. It was clear from the start that Mack brought something special to the screen.

Television, Film, and Beyond

Though Mack worked across various platforms, she is most widely recognized for her portrayal of Addy in The Walking Dead. She appeared in five episodes of the show's ninth season, playing a character who became a fan favorite during her arc in the series.

Her television work extended to shows like Chicago Med, 911, and others. She was not limited to live-action roles. Mack also lent her voice to animation, including the role of Gwen Stacy in the widely acclaimed film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Her voice work added another layer to her creative range, earning her admiration from fans of the superhero genre.

An Artist Who Left an Imprint

Mack’s career reflected a steady climb through the entertainment world, marked by diversity in her roles and dedication to her craft. She brought a thoughtful presence to each performance, whether it was in a medical drama, a post-apocalyptic thriller, or a superhero animation.

Even while facing her illness, Mack remained open and reflective. Her January post sharing her health journey struck a chord with her followers, not only for its honesty but also for the way she expressed gratitude amid uncertainty.

A Quiet Goodbye, A Lasting Impact

The final post from Mack’s account, written by her family, closes with a line that encapsulates her influence: “She will be missed by so many to depths that words cannot express.” While her time was tragically cut short, her work continues to live on in the memories of her fans, friends, and collaborators.

Kelley Mack’s story is one of resilience, talent, and connection. From her beginnings in Cincinnati to her emergence in Hollywood, and finally, her battle with an unforgiving illness, she remained an artist who gave her all to her work and to those she loved.