Nationwide — Disney Channel actress Carla Jeffery, best known for playing Bree in the “Zombies” franchise, has died at 33. Her talent management company confirmed her death in a statement shared on her official Instagram account. She died on September 1, 2026, but authorities and her representatives have not released details about the cause of death.
Her death was met with an outpouring of grief from Disney stars, former co-stars, and fans. According to ABC News, Disney Entertainment Television also paid tribute to the actress, remembering her for her talent, warmth and ability to connect with audiences. The company said her performances brought joy to millions and extended its condolences to her family, friends, castmates and collaborators.
Her talent manager, Carla Alexander of Alexanders Talent Management, said Jeffery had been part of the agency’s family since she was 12. Over more than two decades, Alexander watched her grow from a young performer into an accomplished actress. She described Jeffery as “more than a client; she was family” and asked the public to respect the privacy of her loved ones as they mourned. ABC News has also reached out to Jeffery’s representative for additional information.
Messages from her “Zombies” co-stars reflected how deeply she was remembered by those who worked with her. Milo Manheim, who starred alongside Jeffery in the franchise, called her “The sweetest person I have ever met.” Chandler Kinney, who appeared with her in “Zombies 2” and “Zombies 3,” described her as someone who brought light into every room and remembered her as a kind and beautiful person. Other friends and Disney performers also shared their disbelief in the comments following the announcement.
Born July 10, 1993, in Houston, Texas, Jeffery began acting as a child. Her first movie role came in the 2006 comedy “Phat Girlz.” She later appeared on Nickelodeon’s “iCarly” in 2008 and played Keysha Black on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Her television work continued with appearances on Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie” in 2011 and “Shake It Up” in 2012. She later took roles in shows including “Scream Queens” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.”
Jeffery reached a wider Disney audience when she joined the original “Zombies” movie in 2018 as Bree. She returned for “Zombies 2” and “Zombies 3” and also voiced Bree in several “Zombies” animated shorts. The role became one of the best-known parts of her career and connected her with a new generation of Disney viewers. While her career spanned film and television, her work in the “Zombies” series remained a major part of her legacy. Details surrounding her death have not been made public.