Disney’s ‘Zombies’ Star Carla Jeffery, Beloved for Playing Bree, Has Died at 33
Disney Channel has built an entire generation of stars through its original movies, and few franchises embodied that spirit quite like ‘Zombies.’ The musical series turned an unlikely premise about undead and cheerleaders coexisting at Seabrook High into a genuine phenomenon, launching the careers of several young performers along the way.
One of those breakout stars was Carla Jeffery, who brought warmth and humor to the role of Bree, an aspiring cheerleader who becomes close friends with Meg Donnelly’s Addison across the franchise’s first three films. Jeffery’s performance helped cement Bree as a fan favorite throughout the series’ run.
Now, the Disney Channel family is mourning her loss. Jeffery died on September 1 at the age of 33, according to a statement from her longtime talent management company, Alexanders Talent Management, which did not disclose a cause of death.
The announcement came directly from Jeffery’s representatives, who had worked with her since she was a young girl. “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,” Carla Alexander of Alexanders Talent Management wrote, according to ABC News.
Alexander went on to describe Jeffery’s decades-long relationship with the agency, noting that she joined the Alexanders Talent Management family at age 12 and calling her radiant smile something that could light up any room. Disney Entertainment Television also released a statement honoring her impact, describing her talent, warmth, and spirit as leaving an indelible mark on everyone who worked with her.
Tributes quickly poured in from Jeffery’s former castmates as news of her death spread. Milo Manheim, who starred alongside her throughout the ‘Zombies’ franchise, called her the sweetest person he had ever met, while Chandler Kinney, her co-star in ‘Zombies 2’ and ‘Zombies 3,’ described her as the brightest light in any room and said the news didn’t feel real.
Jeffery’s path to Disney stardom started well before her breakout role. Born on July 10, 1993, in Houston, Texas, she made her screen debut as a 10-year-old version of Mo’Nique’s character in the 2006 film ‘Phat Girlz,’ launching a career that would span nearly two decades.
Between 2007 and 2009, Jeffery had a recurring role as Keysha Black on HBO’s ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ playing a member of a family displaced by Hurricane Katrina who moves in with Larry David. She went on to appear in a mix of other television projects, including guest spots on Nickelodeon’s ‘iCarly,’ ABC’s ‘Miss Guided,’ and an arc on NBC’s ‘Southland.’
Her role as Bree ultimately became her signature performance, one she carried across the 2018, 2020, and 2022 ‘Zombies’ films before returning to voice the character again in 2024’s animated spinoff, ‘Zombies: The Re-Animated Series.’ That lasting connection to the franchise made her a familiar and beloved presence to an entire generation of Disney Channel viewers.
Jeffery’s family has asked that their privacy be respected during this difficult time, and no further details about her death have been released. As fans and collaborators continue processing the loss, her work as Bree remains a lasting reminder of the joy she brought to audiences throughout her career.
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