Kelley Mack, the Cincinnati-born actress known for her roles as Penelope Jacobs on Chicago Med and Addy in Season 9 of The Walking Dead, has tragically passed away at just 33 years old. She died peacefully in her hometown of Cincinnati on August 2, surrounded by her mother and aunt.
Diagnosed earlier this year with diffuse midline glioma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the central nervous system, Mack bravely shared her journey with unwavering openness. She publicly recounted the physical toll, including mobility challenges following a spinal cord biopsy, yet remained steadfastly committed to her craft, even returning to auditioning earlier this summer.
“Kelley passed peacefully on Saturday evening with her loving mother Kristen and steadfast aunt Karen present,” her sister, Kathryn Klebenow, said in a statement posted to her Instagram page. “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 f–king proud of her.”
Born Kelley Lynne Klebenow on July 10, 1992, she was inspired early on by a childhood gift of a video camera that ignited her passion for storytelling. A Chapman University graduate, she began her career in national commercials before branching into roles on Chicago Med, The Walking Dead, 9-1-1, and the horror film Broadcast Signal Intrusion. Her final performance, the sci-fi feature Universal, was completed just months before her passing.
Her sister Kathryn shared that butterflies have become a symbol of Mack’s indomitable spirit, frequently appearing as a comforting sign to family and fans alike.
Mack is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow; her siblings, Kathryn and actor Parker Mack; her grandparents; and her boyfriend, Logan Lanier.
A memorial service will be held on August 16 in Glendale, Ohio, with plans underway for a Los Angeles celebration of life later to honor her memory and creative legacy.
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