Los Angeles : Actress Carla Jeffery, best known for playing the cheerful cheerleader Bree in Disney Channel’s ‘Zombies’ franchise, has died at the age of 33.
Jeffery died on September 1, 2026, according to a statement released by her longtime talent management agency, Alexanders Talent Management. The agency announced her death on social media and described her as a vibrant and exceptionally talented performer whose smile and personality touched those around her.
Her cause of death has not been disclosed. Her management team has asked for privacy for her family and loved ones as they mourn the loss.
Jeffery’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, former co-stars and colleagues across the entertainment industry.
Best known as Bree in ‘Zombies’
Jeffery became widely recognised among Disney audiences through her portrayal of Bree, a bubbly Seabrook High cheerleader and friend of Addison, the central character played by Meg Donnelly.
She appeared in ‘Zombies’ (2018), ‘Zombies 2’ (2020) and ‘Zombies 3’ (2022). She also voiced Bree in the animated series ‘Zombies: The Re-Animated Series’.
The role became an important part of her career and introduced her to a younger generation of viewers around the world.
Jeffery had a background in cheerleading, having competed during her childhood. That experience also connected naturally with her character in the Disney franchise, where Bree was portrayed as an energetic member of the school cheerleading community.
Acting career began at the age of 12
Jeffery was born in Houston, Texas, on July 10, 1993. She began working as an actor when she was just 12 years old and remained with Alexanders Talent Management for more than two decades.
Her first credited film appearance came in the 2006 comedy ‘Phat Girlz’, in which she portrayed the younger version of Mo’Nique’s character.
She subsequently built an extensive television résumé, appearing in programmes including ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’, ‘Southland’, ‘iCarly’, ‘Good Luck Charlie’ and ‘Shake It Up’.
Her later credits included ‘American Vandal’, ‘Scream Queens’, ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ and ‘Suburgatory’.
Although she worked across a variety of television and film projects, her role as Bree ultimately became the performance for which she was most widely remembered.
A career shaped by Disney
Jeffery’s association with Disney extended beyond her appearances in the ‘Zombies’ films.
After starring in the first movie, she returned for the two sequels and later continued portraying Bree through voice work in the animated series.
The franchise developed a dedicated international following, with its combination of music, comedy, romance and supernatural themes attracting a large young audience.
Jeffery’s performance as Bree helped establish her as a recognisable face within the franchise’s ensemble cast.
Her work also made her a source of inspiration for young viewers.
In a 2025 interview, Jeffery spoke about seeing young Black girls dress up as Bree and said she had come to understand the significance of being someone they could look up to.
Co-stars remember her warmth
News of Jeffery’s death was met with emotional tributes from people who worked alongside her.
Milo Manheim, who played Zed in the ‘Zombies’ films, described Jeffery as an exceptionally kind and loving person in a tribute shared online.
Trevor Tordjman, who played Bucky, also expressed his grief, remembering her energy and spirit.
Chandler Kinney, who joined the franchise in ‘Zombies 2’, described Jeffery as someone who brought warmth and kindness into every room.
Other performers connected to the ‘Zombies’ universe also shared messages of condolence following the announcement.
The tributes reflect the impression Jeffery made not only through her work but also through her relationships with colleagues.
Management agency remembers her as family
Alexanders Talent Management had represented Jeffery since she was 12 years old.
In announcing her death, the agency recalled having watched her grow from a young performer into an accomplished actress over more than 20 years.
The agency said she was more than a client and described her as family. It also remembered her radiant smile, laughter, talent and vibrant personality.
The agency asked the public to respect the privacy of Jeffery’s family and loved ones during what it described as an extremely difficult period.
The statement did not provide a cause of death.
Her work reached a young generation
For many viewers, Jeffery will remain closely associated with Bree.
The character was not the central protagonist of the ‘Zombies’ series, but Bree’s cheerful personality and friendship with Addison made her a memorable member of the franchise’s ensemble.
The popularity of the films meant that Jeffery’s work reached audiences far beyond traditional television viewers, particularly through Disney’s young fan base.
Her role also had personal significance for Jeffery, who spoke about the importance of representation and the impact of young viewers seeing themselves reflected in entertainment.
Her comments about young Black girls looking up to her showed how deeply she valued that connection with her audience.
A sudden loss at 33
Jeffery’s death at just 33 has shocked fans and colleagues.
She had spent more than two decades in the entertainment industry, beginning as a child actor and continuing to work across television, film and animation.
Her career included both individual television appearances and recurring roles, but the ‘Zombies’ franchise gave her a particularly enduring connection with audiences.
Her final years included voice work and other performance projects, with her last credited performing role reportedly coming in the audio series ‘Asanté’ in 2025.
Her absence from later ‘Zombies’ projects does not diminish the significance of her contribution to the franchise that made her widely known.
Fans mourn a familiar Disney face
Across social media, fans have been sharing memories of Jeffery and her portrayal of Bree.
For viewers who grew up watching Disney Channel productions, her death represents the loss of a familiar performer whose work formed part of their childhood entertainment.
Her career also illustrates the journey of a child actor who continued working into adulthood while taking on increasingly varied roles.
From her first appearance on screen at 12 to her internationally recognised role in ‘Zombies’, Jeffery spent most of her life connected to the entertainment industry.
Remembering Carla Jeffery
Carla Jeffery leaves behind a body of work spanning film, television and animation.
She will particularly be remembered for bringing Bree to life across Disney’s ‘Zombies’ franchise and for the warmth and enthusiasm that colleagues and fans associated with her.
Her management team, former co-stars and supporters have expressed their grief while asking that her family be given space to mourn privately.
At 33, Jeffery’s life and career were cut tragically short. Yet the characters she portrayed and the audiences she inspired ensure that her work will continue to be remembered.
For a generation of Disney viewers, Carla Jeffery will always be Bree — the bright, energetic cheerleader whose presence brought humour, friendship and joy to the ‘Zombies’ universe.