Disney Channel actress Carla Jeffery, known for her role in the Zombies franchise, died at 33, her talent management company confirmed on September 1, 2026. The cause of death remains undisclosed, but colleagues and fans mourned her passing on social media.
Carla Jeffery, who portrayed Bree in Disney’s Zombies film series, died on September 1, 2026, at the age of 33, according to a statement shared by her management company, Alexanders Talent Management. The actress, whose career spanned over two decades, was celebrated for her role as a cheerleader in the 2018 film that launched the franchise. Her passing was announced via an Instagram post, which described her as more than a client; she was family.
Zombies' star Carla Jeffery dies at 33
Carla Alexander of Alexanders Talent Management wrote, “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Carla Jeffery, who passed away on September 1, 2026, at just 33 years old. She added, Carla joined the Alexanders Talent Management family at the age of 12. 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. The statement emphasized that Jeffery was more than a client; she was family,” and expressed condolences to her family, asking for privacy during their grief.
Tributes from colleagues and fans highlighted Jeffery’s impact. Milo Manheim, who played a co-star in the Zombies films, called her the sweetest person I have ever met, while Chandler Kinney described her as the brightest shining light in any room she walked into. The statement from Alexanders Talent Management underscored her ability to connect with audiences, noting her infectious smile, her laughter, her talent, and the beautiful light she carried everywhere she went.
The announcement came days before the world premiere of ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires, the latest installment in the franchise. The film was scheduled to debut on Thursday, July 10, at 7 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel and stream the next day on Disney+. The premiere, held at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, was attended by the cast and filmmakers, but its significance shifted in light of Jeffery’s passing.
Disney star Carla Jeffery, known for 'Zombies' franchise, dies
Jeffery’s career began at age 12, with her first screen role as a 10-year-old version of Mo’Nique’s character Jazmin in 2006’s Phat Girlz. She gained recurring roles on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, where she played Keysha Black in 10 episodes across Seasons 6 and 7. Her other credits included iCarly, Southland, Good Luck Charlie, Shake It Up, American Vandal, and an animated Spider-Man series, where she voiced the character Mania, a Symbiote. She also reprised her role as Bree in Zombies: The Re-Animated Series, an animated spinoff of the franchise.
Jeffery’s role as Bree in the Zombies film series solidified her status as a beloved figure among fans. The trilogy, which follows a high school zombie and human cheerleader who fall in love, saw Jeffery play one of the cheerleaders who befriends the central character, Addison Wells (Meg Donnelly). Her portrayal of the bubbly Seabrook High cheerleader earned her widespread recognition, and she remained a fixture in the franchise’s subsequent projects.
Beyond her acting, Jeffery was open about her epilepsy, which she disclosed during an interview with the Epilepsy Foundation in 2022. She spoke about overcoming fears of seizures on set and encouraged others to embrace their identities. I want everyone to know not to be scared of who you are, she said, adding that she aimed to inspire young Black girls through her work. Her advocacy and resilience were highlighted in a 2025 interview, where she reflected on the impact of her role in the Zombies series.
Carla Jeffery dead
Jeffery was born on July 10, 1993, in Houston. She launched her acting career at 12 and appeared in Phat Girlz, iCarly, Miss Guided, Southland, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Men of a Certain Age, Good Luck Charlie, and Shake It Up. Her work on Curb Your Enthusiasm and the Zombies franchise cemented her place in pop culture, with fans and critics alike praising her versatility and charm.
While the circumstances of Jeffery’s death remain unclear, her management company has requested privacy for her family during this time. No official cause of death has been released, and details about funeral arrangements or memorial services have not been disclosed. Disney Entertainment Television offered condolences, but the company has not otherwise commented on how her passing will affect future projects or the Zombies franchise.
Jeffery’s legacy continues to resonate with fans and colleagues. Her work on the Zombies series, combined with her advocacy, left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry and her community. As the franchise prepares for its next chapter, the focus remains on honoring her contributions and the joy she brought to audiences worldwide.
