Actress Kelley Mack was starting to become a regular presence on our TV screens before her death at age 33.
Mack got her start in short films and small TV roles before joining bigger productions like The Walking Dead, 9-1-1 and Chicago Med. She was outspoken about how playing Addy on the post-apocalyptic show introduced her to an online fanbase.
“It’s such a wonderful project to have been a small part of, and the fans have been amazing and so kind. On a professional level, more opportunities have definitely opened up for me, and it feels like it’s given me a little more credibility as an actor, which I am so grateful for,” she told Wrestling Junkies during an interview. “Personally, I feel so loved by TWD family and community.”
Mack continued: “If I can connect with other people in a way that influences their own life, that’s what fulfills me the most. And yes, I can definitely go outside unrecognized, haha. I have had a few people recognize me, but not too many!”
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In addition to speaking about her career, Mack candidly discussed her health battle with glioma of the central nervous system. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition is a growth of cells that starts in the brain or spinal cord. As glioma grows it forms a tumor.
“I’m currently in Florida and will be here until next week! 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 l’m feeling physically out of whack. It’s a challenge that’s really good for me, and the sun has been shining every day so far,” she wrote via Instagram shortly before her death. “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. Thank you again and again for the support and prayers.”
Mack died in August 2025 at the age of 33. Keep scrolling for more on the actress:
How Did Kelley Mack Get Her Start in TV?
“I moved to SoCal for college to study Film Production & Business at Chapman University. I’m all about process of elimination, so I wanted to explore other areas of the entertainment industry to learn and determine what I enjoyed the most,” Mack told Voyage LA in 2020. “After focusing on cinematography and doing a variety of internships in LA for production companies and talent agencies, I reaffirmed to myself that acting was what fulfilled me the most.”
She added: “I’ve now been in Los Angeles for several years, focusing on acting, voice over, and some producing as well. My education in all areas of film production has lent itself well to producing, I discovered, so I’ve made four short films and hope to produce a feature at some point too. It took several years to be cast in a TV show.”
What TV Shows Did Kelley Mack Work On?
Queensbury Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Mack was best known for playing Addy in season 9 of the series The Walking Dead and she also had roles in films such as Profile and Broadcast Signal Intrusion.
“I feel very lucky to have a family that has been very supportive of my journey and decision to pursue a career in acting. I also have a younger brother [Parker Mack] who saw some success before I moved to LA myself, so seeing him do well was a big reason why I saw the possibilities and potential for myself. Since moving here, the struggles have mostly been battles with myself,” she told Voyage LA. “Am I good enough? Am I doing everything I can? Am I skinny enough? Should I straighten my hair or keep it curly?”
Mack recalled going through “a lot of self-doubt when you put yourself out there emotionally, physically, mentally, amongst a sea of beautiful, talented people who want the same thing that you do.”
“Building up my self-confidence needed to [and did] happen very quickly after moving to LA, taking my first acting classes, and going to my first auditions as an adult,” she continued. “It’s still a struggle all the time, making sure I don’t compare myself to others, but I’ve definitely gotten much better at focusing on my own journey, improving my skills, staying persistent and enjoying the process.”
How Did Kelley Mack Relate to Her Work?
During her last interview before her death, Mack told Film Inquiry in July 2025 that she “really related” to one of the characters she played.
“I used to be very socially awkward, like I couldn’t speak to people without turning red and crying,” she recalled. “It was really bad, back in high school a lot. I think acting helped me grow from that. So I related to her in certain ways. And yeah, I also liked how she was pretty funny.”
What Did Kelley Mack Share About Her Health Battle?
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“I have been diagnosed with #diffusemidlineglioma, an extremely rare type of #astrocytoma #cancer. Due to the biopsy surgery on my spinal cord, l have lost the use of my right leg and most of my left leg, so I now get around with a walker and a wheelchair,” Mack wrote via Instagram in January 2025. “I am very grateful to have such a supportive and loving family and boyfriend, who have been with me every second of this process. It has been a very emotional and challenging time, truly testing my mental fortitude, faith, and physical strength.”
Mack remained hopeful about getting on the road to healing.
“I just wanted to share this to be open about what I’m going through, in case any of you can relate or have been given a similar diagnosis. I am so thankful for the support everyone has given me throughout my acting career I love so much, which will also be somewhat paused for a little while as I undergo radiation treatment in Cincinnati, where my family is located,” she added. “I am determined and know that this will eventually be a short chapter in my long book. The positivity, love and prayers that are being sent my way already is overwhelming and I feel it all. Thank you so much.”
What Is Kelley Mack’s Cause of Death?
Mack died at the age of 33 from CNS glioma. “It is with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear Kelley,” Mack’s sister Kathryn announced via Instagram in August 2025. “Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go.”
The post noted that Mack “passed peacefully” and her mother, Kristen, and aunt Karen were present at the time of her death.
“Kelley has already come to many of her loved ones in the form of various butterflies 🦋 ❤️,” the statement continued. “She will be missed by so many to depths that words cannot express.”
