‘The Walking Dead’ Star Kelley Mack Dies at 33 After Courageous Battle with Rare Brain Cancer

By Ronald Kapper
Published: August 7, 2025

Kelley Mack, the talented actress best known for her role as Addy on The Walking Dead, has passed away at the age of 33. Her family confirmed that she died after a prolonged and private battle with astrocytoma, a rare form of brain cancer. Her death has left the entertainment community and fans worldwide in mourning, with tributes pouring in across social media and news platforms.

A Rising Star Silenced Too Soon

Kelley Mack first captivated audiences with her deeply emotional performance in Season 9 of The Walking Dead, where she portrayed Addy, a member of the Hilltop community. Her portrayal of a young woman grappling with post-apocalyptic trauma, loyalty, and survival earned her praise from both fans and critics.

Although her role on The Walking Dead was brief, her impact was lasting. Her character’s arc, which ended tragically at the hands of Alpha’s Whisperers, mirrored the heartbreak fans now feel in real life.

Her other credits included appearances in Shot in the Dark, The Hate U Give, Outer Banks, and various independent film projects where her talent and commitment to nuanced performances stood out.

Read the full obituary on Entertainment Weekly: https://ew.com/actress-kelley-mack-dead-the-walking-dead-12499164

A Private Fight with a Rare Disease

Mack had chosen to keep her diagnosis and treatment journey largely private, opting to focus on spending quality time with close friends and family during her final years. According to loved ones, she was diagnosed with astrocytoma, a rare and aggressive brain tumor that primarily affects younger adults.

In a statement released by her family, they shared:

“Kelley faced her illness with quiet strength, deep grace, and unwavering courage. She wanted to be remembered not for how she died, but for how she lived — with authenticity, kindness, and purpose.”

Tributes from the Industry

Following news of her passing, The Walking Dead cast and crew issued heartfelt tributes. Norman Reedus, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and showrunner Angela Kang all took to Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to share their condolences and memories of working with her.

Angela Kang wrote:

“Kelley brought warmth and heart to every scene. Her spirit uplifted those around her, both on and off camera. We are devastated by her loss and grateful for her contribution to the Walking Dead family.”

Fans have also expressed their sorrow, sharing clips, artwork, and messages online that celebrate her life and performances.

See the tribute thread on The Walking Dead’s official Twitter: https://twitter.com/WalkingDead_AMC/status/1754901876328841287

A Legacy of Resilience and Artistic Integrity

Born in Dallas, Texas, in 1992, Mack studied theatre and film from a young age. She moved to Los Angeles in her early 20s and quickly gained recognition for her compelling emotional range and presence on screen. Off-screen, she was involved in animal rescue initiatives and was a vocal supporter of mental health awareness.

In a 2021 interview, Mack said:

“Acting is not about pretending. It’s about telling the truth in a world that too often hides from it.”

That sentiment has been widely quoted in the days following her death — a reminder of the quiet wisdom she carried both professionally and personally.

Funeral and Memorial Plans

Kelley Mack’s family has announced that a private memorial service will be held in Los Angeles later this week. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in her memory to the American Brain Tumor Association and Stand Up To Cancer, two organizations she personally supported.

Her family is also planning to launch a small scholarship fund for aspiring young actors pursuing theater and film, in honor of Kelley’s legacy.

Visit Kelley’s official memorial page: