Kelley Mack, known for the role of Addy in season 9 of The Walking Dead, died at the age of 33, on August 2, following an aggressive form of cancer. The news was announced by his family on social networks.
Kelley Mack. Photo: x/@tmz
“With an indescribable sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Kelley”, have transmitted the close ones. “Such a strong and passionate light has left this world, where everyone, one day, will go.”
The actress died quietly, along with her mother, Kristen, and her aunt, Karen. The family said that several close friends felt her presence in the form of butterflies, a symbol of the spiritual connection with those left behind, reports the Daily Mail.
A commemoration ceremony will take place on August 16, in Glendale, Ohio, and an event dedicated to friends and colleagues in Los Angeles will be organized later.
Diagnosis and struggle with the disease
In a post on Instagram, in January 2025, Kelley revealed that the first symptoms of the glioma appeared in September 2024 in the form of persistent back pain, which he initially assigned to a displaced disc. Subsequently, the pains became unbearable and were accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
An emergency MRI identified an abnormal formation on the spinal cord. Later, Kelley was diagnosed with diffuse median line glioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
The biopsy needed to establish the diagnosis has affected it deeply, leaving it in a wheelchair, with significant mobility losses.
“I am determined to consider this stage only a short chapter in a long book”, she wrote then, optimistic and full of courage.
Artistic career and inheritance left
Kelley Mack’s best-known role was The Walking Dead, where he appeared in five episodes between 2018 and 2019. He also had appearances in series such as 9-1-1, Scholed and Chicago Med. Her last main role was in the universal independent film, released earlier this year.
Apart from the acting, Kelley also worked behind the cameras, as an occasional producer and voice artist. He also recorded for the Spider-Man animation: Into Spider-Verse.
Reactions from colleagues and friends
The news of his death caused a wave of emotional reactions among the industry colleagues. Gustavo Gomez, his partner in The Walking Dead, wrote: “My heart is broken. I feel lucky that our roads have met. Your light will always shine.”
Actress Alanna Masterson, who played the role of Tara in the series, transmitted: “What an incredible being … I am proud to fight with her in our last episode together.”
The director The Walking Dead, Michael Satrazemis, added: “I was fortunate to create with Kelley. It was a light on all levels.”
