In January, actor Kelley Mack, known for her performance in ‘Walking Dead’, revealed that she had been diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma, a rare form of astrocytoma cancer. She died at the age of 33 on August 2.
Actress Kelley Mack, known for her appearance in post-apocalyptic zombie drama “The Walking Dead,” has died. She was 33.
Kelley Mack, who was born Kelley Klebenow, “passed away peacefully” in her hometown of Cincinatti on Saturday after battling glioma of the central nervous system, according to a statement posted on the social networking site CaringBridge. A glioma is a type of tumor that affects the brain or spinal cord.
“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,” read a post on Kelley Mack’s Instagram on Tuesday alongside a photo of the actress.
Condolences have poured in from colleagues, friends and fans remembering her as “talented” and a “sweet soul.”
“What an incredible human. So proud to have fought alongside her in our final episode together,” wrote Alanna Masterson, who also starred in “The Walking Dead.”
Kelley Mack held 35 actress and five producer credits during her career, according to the statement posted to CaringBridge. She was best known for playing Addy in season 9 of “The Walking Dead,” and Penelope Jacobs in season 8 of “Chicago Med” and on FOX’s “9-1-1.”
She also did commercial and voice-over work, appearing in commercials for Dr. Pepper, Ross stores, Dairy Queen and Chick-fil-A, among others. Her love for storytelling flourished after she received a mini video camera as a birthday gift at a young age. She began acting in commercials as a child.
“Kelley was known for her warmth, creativity and unwavering support for those around her,” the statement said. “Her infectious enthusiasm and dedication to her work inspired countless others in the industry and beyond.”
Mack graduated from Hinsdale Central High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in cinematography from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts in Orange, California.
The actress is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow; sister Kathryn and brother Parker; grandparents Lois and Larry Klebenow; and her boyfriend Logan Lanier.
“Kelley’s legacy will live on through her contributions to film and television, and in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be deeply missed by forever remembered for her talent, kindness and vibrant spirit,” according to the statement.
Who was Kelley Mack?
Born Kelley Lynne Klebenow on 10 July 1992, in Cincinnati, she stepped in front of the camera at a young age, acting in commercials as a child. She then went to New York’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she received an Acting Award for her debut role as Chloe in the indie drama The Elephant Garden (2008), which also snagged a Student Visionary Award at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Medical cause of death
Declaring that she was suffering from Diffuse midline glioma (DMG), the January post states, “I have been diagnosed with #diffusemidlineglioma, an extremely rare type of #astrocytoma #cancer. Due to the biopsy surgery on my spinal cord, I 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.”
Kelley Mack’s notable works
Other than attaining fame through her acting projects, Kelley was also a screenwriter and collaborated with her mother, Kristen Klebenow. They worked on a series of feature-length scripts, including On the Black.
Some of her most notable works include 9-1-1, Chicago, and Schooled – the Modern Family spinoff. Kelley was multi-talented, as evidenced in her 2015 project Positive, which she wrote, edited and directed. She had also worked as a cinematographer in The Kingdom (2014).
Kelley Mack, who was given the name Kelley Klebenow after birth, is survived by her parents Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow, along with her sister Kathryn, brother Parker, and her grandparents Lois and Larry Klebenow.
How Her Family Bid Her Farewell
Kelley’s family was by her side till the very end. Her mother, Kristen and aunt Karen stood by her, while her sister Kathryn wrote a public tribute and mentioned that Kelley “passed peacefully…surrounded by love”.
Kathryn further penned, “She has already come to many of her loved ones in the form of various butterflies. 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-ing proud of her.”
Kelley’s aunt Karen wrote, “I am sad in my heart as my niece Kelley left this world to hang out with my mom and dad in heaven. Way too young. She is a beautiful soul and will be the best angel ever. I guess she wanted to go wish my dad happy birthday and Gramma and Grandpa Fish happy anniversary in person. Grandpa Fish would be 92. They are having a fun time, I am sure. Miss you all so much!”
The 33-year-old actress is survived by her sister, Kathryn; her brother, Parker; parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow; and grandmother and grandfather Lois and Larry Klebenow.
Who was Kelley Mack’s boyfriend?
Logan Lanier, Kelley Mack’s boyfriend, was her support system during her battle with cancer. Documenting her struggle and difficult time, she revealed that she moved into a new apartment with her partner in September.
Acting journey put on hold
She further wrote, “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. I do have some projects coming out soon, which I will of course share once they are released.”
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