The Walking Dead actress Kelley Mack has died aged 33 after being diagnosed with cancer.
The American star’s death was confirmed on her own social media pages this week, with her family sharing the following statement: ‘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.
‘Kelley passed peacefully on Saturday evening with her loving mother Kristen and steadfast aunt Karen present. 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.’
The family went on to share a link to a ‘two-page formal announcement with information on her upcoming life celebration’ – which will be held in Ohio next week.
They concluded the announcement, which included a single photo of Mack, by writing: ‘She would want you all to know how much she loves you. 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 proud of her.’
The actress, born Kelley Klebenow was from Cincinnati, Ohio, and died on August 2 after being diagnosed with glioma of the central nervous system.
Both the Instagram post and her obituary explained that Mack had ‘passed away peacefully’, surrounded by family.
Mack, who had 35 credits as an actress to her name, starred Addy in the ninth season of The Walking Dead.
The post-apocalyptic zombie series ran from 11 seasons, starting in 2010 until wrapping up in 2022.
She then went on to play Penelope Jacobs in the eighth season of Chicago Med and appeared in the drama 9-1-1.
Throughout her career she’d also appeared in commercials for Dr. Pepper, Ross stores, Dairy Queen and Chick-fil-a. She is also currently featured in a Rakuten commercial with her mum, Kristen.
What is a glioma?
Glioma is a growth of cells that starts in the brain or spinal cord. As it grows, it forms a mass of cells called a tumor.
The tumor can then grow to press on brain or spinal cord tissue and cause symptoms.
There are many types of glioma. Some grow slowly and aren’t considered to be cancers, while others are cancerous.
Throughout her career she’d also appeared in commercials for Dr. Pepper, Ross stores, Dairy Queen and Chick-fil-a. She is also currently featured in a Rakuten commercial with her mum, Kristen.
After graduating with a degree in cinematography, Mack spent the past 11 years working in Los Angeles.
In their tribute her family wrote that while she won several awards for her work throughout her lifetime, she 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,’ they wrote, adding that she also loved hiking, pickleball, biking, playing piano and traveling.
The actress will posthumously appear in the upcoming movie Universal, which she was also an executive producer for.
Just a few weeks before her death, Mack shared a post on Instagram advertising the film’s world premiere at the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard in LA.
Since receiving her diagnosis Mack had been sharing updates with fans on social media. Her last, in March, read: ‘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 is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow, siblings Kathryn and Parker, grandparents Lois and Larry, and her ‘dearest boyfriend’ Logan.
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