The entertainment world is in deep mourning following the tragic passing of Kelley Mack, a gifted actress, producer, and voice artist, who left us on August 2 at the young age of 33. Her agent, Julie Smith, shared the devastating news with USA TODAY on August 5, sending shockwaves through Hollywood and her devoted fanbase.
Mack’s journey into the world of storytelling began at a remarkably young age, fueled by a simple yet profound gift: a mini video camera. This early passion for capturing narratives blossomed into an impressive career, starting with appearances in commercials as a child. Her innate talent was quickly recognized, setting the stage for a promising future in film and television.
Kelley Mack, originally named Kelley Lynne Klebenow, was a proud graduate of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in cinematography in 2014. Even before university, her passion for acting was evident, earning an Acting Award from the Tisch School of the Arts for her very first film role.
That debut came in the 2008 independent film *The Elephant Garden*, where she portrayed the character of Chloe. This foundational role not only garnered her an Acting Award from Tisch School of the Arts but also contributed to the film winning the esteemed Student Visionary Award at the Tribeca Film Festival. It was a remarkable beginning for an artist destined for greater recognition.
Kelley Mack truly gained widespread attention for her compelling work in television, most notably her role as Addy in season nine of AMC’s critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic drama, *The Walking Dead*. Appearing in five episodes during the 2018-2019 season, her character Addy became intricately involved in the show’s gripping narrative, notably among the group of characters abducted by the Whisperers, which led to deadly results in the season finale.
Beyond her memorable roles in the zombie apocalypse genre, Mack consistently impressed audiences with her versatility in other notable television series. She was a recurring presence on season eight of *Chicago Med* as Penelope Jacobs, a character that truly showcased her talent for embodying complex individuals in a medical drama setting.
Her versatile performances extended to other popular shows, including guest shots on *Schooled*, a spinoff of *Modern Family*, and multiple miniseries. Mack’s ability to seamlessly transition between different genres and character types underscored her talent and dedication, making her a sought-after presence in the demanding landscape of television production.
Her feature film career was just as dynamic and varied as her television work. In 2021, Kelley Mack truly shone as Alice in *Broadcast Signal Intrusion*, starring alongside Harry Shum Jr., and her impressive filmography also includes roles in *Mr. Manhattan* and the highly anticipated *Delicate Arch*, which is slated for release in 2024.
One of her most anticipated upcoming projects was the feature film *Universal*, in which she not only starred but also served as an executive producer. This significant dual role highlighted her burgeoning capabilities behind the camera, showcasing her growing influence in the production side of filmmaking. The film was slated to be screened at the Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation and Technology on August 10 and the Chain NYC Film Festival on August 11, marking a poignant moment for her work to be showcased posthumously.
Mack’s artistic contributions were not limited to on-screen performances; she also left an indelible mark as a voice-over artist. Perhaps her most widely recognized voice role was serving as the voice match for Hailee Steinfeld’s Gwen Stacy in the Oscar-winning animated hit *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse*. Her voice could also be heard in numerous commercials for national brands, including Dr. Pepper, Ross stores, Dairy Queen, and Chick-fil-A.
Mack’s creative talents weren’t confined to acting; she also made significant contributions as a producer, writer, and director. With five producer credits to her name, including the critically acclaimed 2016 short film *A Knock at the Door*, which garnered awards and nominations, she proved her exceptional abilities behind the camera.
Her comprehensive filmmaking skills were further highlighted when she wrote, directed, and edited the 2015 short film *Positive*, a project that underscored her unique artistic vision. She also lent her technical expertise as a cinematographer for the 2014 short film *The Kingdom*, and her passion for storytelling extended to screenwriting, often in collaboration with her mother, Kristen.
Kelley Mack faced her final months with incredible bravery, courageously battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer known as diffuse midline glioma, a type of astrocytoma affecting the central nervous system. She first shared her personal health journey with the public in an Instagram post in January, bravely detailing the struggles she had been enduring since the previous autumn.
She detailed experiencing persistent lower back pain starting in September, followed by neuropathic itching in her right quad. The severity of her condition escalated with the onset of shooting pains in her legs and back, which necessitated her sleeping in a recliner for a month due to the excruciating discomfort of lying down. Emergency MRIs performed in November revealed an abnormal mass on her spinal cord, leading to the devastating diagnosis.
The biopsy surgery performed on her spinal cord had a profound impact on her physical abilities, resulting in the loss of function in her right leg and most of her left leg, requiring her to use a walker and wheelchair for mobility. Despite these immense physical challenges, her spirit remained indomitable.
Throughout her treatment, which included proton radiation therapy, Mack expressed immense gratitude for the unwavering support of her loved ones. She completed her proton radiation treatment in March, or April, as some sources indicated, a testament to her resilience. In an Instagram update from Florida, where she received treatment, she reflected on the difficulties of adjusting to a new environment.
“It’s tough adjusting to a new environment after getting into a routine at home, but the mental and emotional support from my loved ones keeps me in check, even when I’m feeling physically out of whack,” she wrote, openly sharing her vulnerability. Her words resonated deeply with many, highlighting the profound strength she drew from her support system.
She viewed her health challenge as an opportunity for growth, stating, “It’s a challenge that’s really good for me, and the sun has been shining every day so far.” She remained hopeful despite the arduous path, acknowledging, “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.” Her enduring optimism was palpable even amidst the most trying circumstances.
In another poignant reflection, she expressed the deep emotional and physical toll the illness took, yet maintained a profound sense of peace. “It has been a very emotional and challenging time, truly testing my mental fortitude, faith, and physical strength,” she shared. Despite the immense pressure, she found solace and determination, affirming, “They are so positive and we have a sense of calm knowing that my healing is taking place and we will overcome.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, gliomas are a classification of tumors that originate from abnormal glial cells, the essential cells that support and protect the brain’s nerve cells. These tumors are predominantly found within the brain and spinal cord and are recognized as the most frequent type of malignant primary brain tumor diagnosed in adults, with Mack’s specific diagnosis being an exceptionally rare subtype.
It’s estimated that around 3,940 individuals in the United States are currently living with diffuse midline gliomas. Common symptoms can include experiencing double vision, difficulties with swallowing, and noticeable issues with balance or weakness affecting one or both sides of the body. While treatment options typically involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies, the estimated five-year survival rate for diffuse midline gliomas stands at 42.2 percent, with outcomes often influenced by factors like age and the specific tumor grade.
News of Mack’s passing was initially shared by her sister, Kathryn Klebenow, in a heartfelt Instagram post on August 5. The tribute conveyed the profound grief felt by her family: “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 revealed that Mack “passed peacefully on Saturday evening with her loving mother Kristen and steadfast aunt Karen present,” surrounded by love in her final moments.
