Walking Dead Star Kelley Mack Dies at 33 After Brave Battle With Rare Cancer

Kelley Mack wasn’t just another actress in Hollywood. She was a force of nature and she was a storyteller. Kelley was a human being whose warmth, grace, and resolve left lasting impressions on those around her. Born Kelley Lynne Klebenow, Mack’s career rose, thanks to her memorable portrayal of Addy in The Walking Dead. But sadly, as life can sometimes remind us, even those who may seem “larger than life” are not immune to its effects.

The Unstoppable Light of Kelley Mack

At just 33 years old, Kelley Mack passed away after a courageous battle with diffuse midline glioma, or DMG, a rare cancer which affects the central nervous system. Diagnosed in late 2024 after months of mysterious symptoms, including persistent back pain. Kelley also had neuropathic itching in her leg muscle. She faced her illness with a strength which most of us can hope to aspire.

Mack initially thought it was just a slipped disc, something many of us might dismiss. But by Thanksgiving Eve, this mild inconvenience evolved into a serious diagnosis when emergency MRIs revealed an abnormal mass in her spinal cord.

What followed weren’t just treatments but hardships that would test anyone’s emotional and physical resilience. Picture undergoing radiation therapy while mostly losing the use of your legs, yet still managing to share videos of yourself climbing stairs to inspire others. Mack didn’t fight quietly; she faced this head-on and shared her story to help everyone feel a little less alone in their struggles.

Diffuse Midline Glioma – What is it?

In this rare neurological type of cancer, cells called glial cells grow out of control. Usually based either in the spinal cord or the brain, the glial cells can take over quickly and cause more complications. The onset is typically in childhood, but young adults can get this as well, as evidenced in Mack’s case. It is thought to be from a mutation in the H3K27-altered gene.

DMG is marked by headaches, nausea, drooping of one side of face, backaches, and even fainting spells, but it can be often mistaken for other things. The diagnostic tests for this include MRI/imaging, biopsies, and lab work.

Unfortunately, this type of cancer is not curable, only treatable. It is quite aggressive, and symptoms become much worse within just a few months. Although there are immunotherapy and other studies currently underway, it is generally treated through radiotherapy. Research has been conducted showing some promise utilizing beta-interferon.

Remembering Kelley’s Faith with Butterflies

Kelley believed strongly in her faith. She felt her life was in God’s hands. It’s an honest testament to her faith and beliefs that she found peace, despite the unimaginable challenges that she had encountered.

Her sister recently expressed how much Kelley cherished those who supported her. And in true Mack fashion, even after her passing, her family finds comfort seeing Kelley’s spirit in the form of butterflies. It’s poetic, really. A woman so transformed by her challenges now remembered through a symbol of transformation and beauty. 

More Than an Actress

Kelley Mack’s storytelling abilities weren’t just represented by her time as Abby in The Walking Dead. She was a creative force. From commercials as a child to bigger roles in Chicago Med and Spider-Man, her artistry wasn’t only about reading lines; it was about embodying a character. It was also about the connection.

“Kelley was known for her warmth, creativity, and unwavering support for those around her,” her family stated. Even amidst the sadness, this description rings true. Try to imagine being in a profession where you embody countless characters, all while leaving an undeniable imprint of your own character. And doing this with her strength and talent. That’s who Kelley was.

Legacy Beyond the Spotlight

Kelley’s story reminders us that even in the darkest days, there’s light to be found. Rest in peace, Kelley Mack. You deserved much more time, but the time you had? You used it well.