Carla Jeffery, the actress best known for playing cheerleader Bree in Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise, has died. She was 33. Her talent agency, Alexanders Talent Management, confirmed the news on Instagram, announcing that she passed away on September 1. No cause of death has been disclosed.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Carla Jeffery,” the agency said. “For more than 20 years, we had the privilege of watching her grow into a beautiful, vibrant, and incredibly talented woman whose radiant smile could light up any room. Carla was more than a client. She was family. Rest beautifully, Carla. Your light will never be forgotten.”
Born in Houston, Texas on July 10, 1993, Jeffery began her acting career at 12, landing her first role alongside Mo’Nique in the 2006 comedy Phat Girlz. She built an extensive list of television credits over the years, appearing in Curb Your Enthusiasm, Southland, American Vandal, Good Luck Charlie, Shake It Up and iCarly, among others.
It was her role as Bree, the bubbly cheerleader and best friend of Meg Donnelly’s character Addison in Zombies, that brought her to a new generation of Disney viewers. The original film premiered in February 2018, and Jeffery returned for Zombies 2 in 2020, Zombies 3 in 2022 and most recently voiced the character in Zombies: The Re-Animated Series.
Co-star Chandler Kinney wrote on social media: “The brightest shining light in any room she walked into. The kindest person you’d ever meet. The most beautiful soul. This doesn’t feel real.” Fellow actress Jadah Marie added: “I’m in shock. What a beautiful soul. I’m so heartbroken. Rest in peace beautiful.”
Jeffery is survived by her twin brother and many loved ones. The family requests that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.