Kelley Mack: A Rising Star Gone Too Soon
Kelley Lynne Klebenow (July 10, 1992 – August 2, 2025) known professionally as Kelley Mack was an American actress celebrated for her versatility on both television and film
Early Life and Education
Kelley was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 10, 1992, to Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow. She grew up alongside two younger siblings, including her brother Parker Mack, who also pursued acting. The Klebenow family moved frequently during Kelley’s childhood, exposing her to a variety of communities and experiences.
From a young age, Kelley showed a natural affinity for performance. She landed her first roles in national TV commercials for brands such as Dr. Pepper, Ross Stores, Dairy Queen, and Chick-fil-A. After graduating from Hinsdale Central High School in Illinois, she followed her passion for film to Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, where she majored in cinematography and honed her skills behind the camera as well as in front of it
Career
Television Breakthrough
Kelley made her television debut in 2008 with guest roles on series like Unusual Suspects and the miniseries Grayson: Earth One. Over the next several years, she appeared in episodic parts on Nasty Habits, Ever Ready and 9-1-1, steadily building her résumé
Her defining moment came in 2018 when she was cast as Addy in Season 9 of AMC’s hit series The Walking Dead. Across five episodes, she balanced the vulnerability of a survivor in a post-apocalyptic world with steely determination, winning praise from both fans and critics
Film and Independent Work
Parallel to her TV success, Kelley pursued independent filmmaking. At Chapman University and afterward, she wrote, directed, and produced several acclaimed short films including Positive (2015) and A Knock at the Door (2016)—showcasing her talents behind the lens.
On the big screen, she appeared in Timur Bekmambetov’s thriller Profile (2018) and portrayed Alice in the horror-suspense feature Broadcast Signal Intrusion (2021). At the time of her death, Kelley had served as both star and executive producer on the sci-fi thriller Universal (2025), which was scheduled for release later that year. Her final on-camera appearance was in a Rakuten commercial alongside her mother, closing the circle on her career’s beginning in advertising
Personal Life
Kelley maintained a close circle of family and friends. She was in a relationship with actor Logan Lanier, and she often spoke about the importance of having a strong support system while navigating the highs and lows of an acting career
Illness and Legacy
In January 2025, Kelley announced she was battling an astrocytoma a form of glioma brain tumor. She underwent proton radiation therapy in April but continued to approach her diagnosis with courage and grace, using her platform to raise awareness about brain cancer and support fellow patients
Tragically, she passed away in her hometown of Cincinnati on August 2, 2025, at the age of 33. A memorial service was held on August 16 at the Glendale Lyceum in Ohio, and the family later hosted a celebration of her life in Los Angeles for friends and colleagues in the entertainment community
Kelley Mack’s career spanning commercials, television, independent shorts, and feature films—reflects a passionate commitment to storytelling in all its forms. Though her life was cut short, her work continues to inspire emerging actors and filmmakers who admire her eartistry, resilience, and the authentic warmth she brought to every role
