Name: Kelley Mack
Profession: Actress, Producer, Voice-over Artist
Born: July 10, 1992 in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Died: August 2, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA (aged 33)
Nationality: American
Known for: The Walking Dead, Chicago Med, 9-1-1, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (voice work), Broadcast Signal Intrusion
Biography:
Kelley Lynne Klebenow, professionally known as Kelley Mack, was a talented American actress, producer, and voice-over artist who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry despite her tragically short career. Born on July 10, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mack discovered her passion for storytelling at a young age when she received a mini video camera as a birthday gift, sparking her journey into the world of entertainment.
Mack’s professional journey began in childhood when she started appearing in commercials, demonstrating a natural talent for performance.
Her first significant breakthrough came with her debut film role as Chloe in “The Elephant Garden” (2008), a performance that earned her an Acting Award from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. The film itself was equally successful, winning the Student Visionary Award at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival, establishing Mack as a promising young talent.
Despite her early success in acting, Mack chose to focus her academic pursuits on film production and cinematography, demonstrating her multifaceted interest in the entertainment industry.
She graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 2010, where she was recognized as an Illinois State Scholar for scoring in the 95th percentile on standardized tests. She then attended Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Cinematography in 2014, while maintaining a spot on the Chancellor’s List all four years for her academic excellence.
Following graduation, Mack moved to Los Angeles in 2014, where she would spend the next 11 years building her career in film, television, commercials, and voice-over work. Her transition from behind-the-camera work to acting was influenced by her realization that her true passion lay in performance, despite her technical skills in cinematography.
Mack’s television career gained significant momentum with her role as Addy in Season 9 of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” (2018-2019). Though she appeared in only five episodes, her portrayal of the Hilltop Colony resident was memorable and showcased her ability to bring depth to ensemble cast roles.
Beyond “The Walking Dead,” Mack built an impressive television resume with guest appearances on popular series including “9-1-1” (2019), “Chicago Med” (2022), where she played Penelope Jacobs, and “Schooled” (2020), a spinoff of “Modern Family”. Her versatility as a performer was evident in her ability to seamlessly transition between different genres and character types.
In film, Mack demonstrated her range through various independent projects. She starred as Alice in “Broadcast Signal Intrusion” (2021) alongside Harry Shum Jr., showcasing her dramatic abilities in this psychological thriller. Other notable film credits included “Mr. Manhattan” (2024), “Delicate Arch” (2024), where she played Wilda, and “Shot in the Dark” (2021).
Her voice-over career was equally impressive, with her most notable achievement being her work on the Oscar-winning animated film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018), where she provided the voice match for Hailee Steinfeld’s character Gwen Stacy. This role demonstrated her vocal talents and ability to bring animated characters to life.
As a producer, Mack was particularly passionate about creating meaningful content. Her 2016 short film “A Knock at the Door,” which she produced, edited, and starred in alongside David Sullivan, won the Jury Choice Award at the Atlanta Horror Film Festival and received two nominations at FilmQuest. The film was later distributed on AMC’s Shudder streaming platform and screened at over 20 festivals worldwide.
Mack also showcased her skills as a writer, director, and editor with the 2015 short film “Positive,” and worked as a cinematographer on “The Kingdom” (2014). Her final project, “Universal” (2025), saw her serve as both executive producer and star, demonstrating her commitment to developing projects from conception to completion.
In January 2025, Mack courageously shared her diagnosis of diffuse midline glioma, a rare and aggressive form of central nervous system cancer. She detailed how her symptoms began with persistent back pain in late 2024, which escalated to shooting pains and neuropathic symptoms. Emergency MRIs on the eve of Thanksgiving revealed an abnormal mass in her spinal cord, confirming the presence of a tumor.
Kelley Mack passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, in her hometown of Cincinnati, surrounded by her loving mother Kristen and her aunt Karen. Her family announced that she had already begun appearing to loved ones “in the form of various butterflies,” a beautiful symbol of her enduring spirit.
Awards and Accolades:
Film Festival Recognition:
- Acting Award from NYU Tisch School of the Arts for “The Elephant Garden” (2008)
- Student Visionary Award at Tribeca Film Festival for “The Elephant Garden” (2008)
- Jury Choice Award at Atlanta Horror Film Festival for “A Knock at the Door” (2016)
- Festival Award at Atlanta Horror Film Festival for “A Knock at the Door” (2016)
Academic Honors:
- Illinois State Scholar (2010)
- Chapman University Chancellor’s List (All four years)
- Chapman Athletics Athlete of the Week (May 2014)
Festival Nominations:
- Two FilmQuest nominations for “A Knock at the Door” (2016)
- Best Comedy Nominee at JRS Short Film Festival for “Positive” (2015)
Interesting Facts:
- Mack received a mini video camera as a birthday gift during childhood, which sparked her love for storytelling and filmmaking
- She lived in five different states throughout her childhood: Ohio, Missouri, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Illinois
- Her brother Parker Mack is also an actor, known for roles in “Faking It,” “Chasing Life,” and “Ouija: Origin of Evil”
- She was a competitive tennis player and participated in USTA tournaments from age 12
- Mack played piano by ear and was also skilled on drums, with over nine years of formal music lessons
Social Media:
Instagram: @itskelleymack
