American actress Carla Jeffery, best known for playing cheerleader Bree in Disney Channel’s Zombies movie series, has died at the age of 33.
News of her death has left her family, management team and former co-stars mourning an actress remembered not only for her talent, but also for the warmth and energy she brought to those around her.
Jeffery’s agent, Carla Alexander, announced her death, describing the actress as a beautiful and highly talented woman whose smile could brighten any room.
Her cause of death has not been disclosed.
From Disney Channel to the screen
Jeffery became widely recognised among Disney audiences after portraying Bree in the 2018 musical comedy Zombies.
The role introduced her to a new generation of viewers and she went on to reprise the character in the film’s two sequels, released in 2020 and 2022.
But her career extended beyond the Disney franchise.
Before Zombies, Jeffery had appeared in the acclaimed American comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm, where she played a recurring member of the Black family that moved into Larry David’s neighbourhood following Hurricane Katrina.
Her performances across television and film helped establish her as a familiar face among American audiences.
A career watched from childhood
Jeffery’s management company, Alexanders Talent Management, said she had been part of its management family for more than two decades.
In a tribute shared on Instagram, the company reflected on watching her develop from a talented young girl into a successful actress.
The company remembered Jeffery for her infectious smile, laughter, talent and the positive energy she brought into every space she entered.
It also expressed condolences to her family and loved ones, while asking the public to respect their privacy as they come to terms with the loss.
Twin brother pays emotional tribute
Jeffery’s twin brother, actor Carlon Jeffery, also shared an emotional tribute to his sister.
Alongside a video showing Carla at the beach and an undated text message, Carlon spoke about his love and pride for his twin, celebrating her resilience, grace and unmistakable smile.
His tribute reflected the closeness they shared, with Carlon promising that he would always have her back and suggesting that their bond would continue beyond this life.
For a family that had watched Carla grow from childhood into a professional actress, her death represents the loss of far more than a performer.
‘It doesn’t feel real’
News of Jeffery’s death also prompted an outpouring of grief from her Zombies co-stars.
Chandler Kinney, who played Willa in the franchise, said Jeffery’s death “did not feel real”.
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Kinney described her former co-star as one of the sweetest and most vibrant people she had known, recalling the way Jeffery’s positive attitude could make an ordinary day brighter.
She also linked Jeffery’s bubbly personality to the energy she brought to Bree, the character that made her known to millions of Disney viewers.
Milo Manheim, who played Zed in the Zombies films, shared several photographs with Jeffery and kept his tribute brief but deeply personal.
“Love you Carlaboo, the sweetest, kindest, most loving person,” he wrote.
Remembered beyond the role
For many fans, Carla Jeffery will remain Bree from Zombies — the energetic cheerleader whose presence became part of the franchise’s identity.
But the tributes emerging after her death paint a picture of someone whose impact extended well beyond the characters she played.
Her management team remembered decades of growth. Her brother remembered an inseparable bond. Her co-stars remembered her kindness, vibrancy and ability to brighten a room.
At just 33, Jeffery’s career and life have come to an unexpectedly early end.
While details surrounding her death remain private, the tributes already emerging make one thing clear: for those who knew and worked with Carla Jeffery, her biggest legacy may not simply be the roles she played, but the joy she brought to the people around her.