Carla Jeffery, a US actress best known for playing cheerleader Bree in Disney Channel’s Zombies film series, has died at the age of 33.
Jeffery’s death was announced by her agent, Carla Alexander, who described the actress as a “beautiful, vibrant and incredibly talented woman” whose smile could light up any room.
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No cause of death has been disclosed.
Jeffery rose to prominence after appearing in the 2018 Disney Channel film Zombies, where she played Bree, a member of the cheerleading squad. She reprised the role in the film’s two sequels, released in 2020 and 2022.
She also appeared in the long-running HBO comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm, where she had a recurring role as a member of the Black family who moved in with Larry David following Hurricane Katrina.
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Her management company, Alexanders Talent Management, said Jeffery had been part of its family for more than 20 years, having joined the agency as a young girl.
“Our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of our beloved Carla Jeffery,” the company said in a statement shared on Instagram.
The agency remembered her for her “infectious smile”, laughter, talent and the warmth she brought to those around her, while asking for privacy for her family and loved ones.
Co-stars pay tribute
Jeffery’s death prompted tributes from several of her Zombies co stars, who remembered her for her warmth and positive spirit.
Chandler Kinney, who played Willa in the franchise, said Jeffery’s death “doesn’t feel real”.
“Carla. The sweetest, most sparkly gal. You made every day better and brighter with your infectious positivity,” Kinney wrote.
She said Jeffery’s cheerful personality had helped shape her portrayal of Bree, describing the actress as a “bubbly, vivacious heart-of-gold cheerleader” who enjoyed uplifting people around her.
Milo Manheim, who played Zed in the Zombies films, also shared several photographs of himself with Jeffery, writing: “Love you Carlaboo, the sweetest, kindest, most loving person.”
Jeffery’s twin brother, Carlon Jeffery, who is also an actor, shared the management company’s statement alongside a video of his sister and an undated message he had previously sent her.
In the message, he expressed his pride in his sister and described her resilience, grace and smile as a light that should be protected.
Jeffery’s death comes just two months after she appeared at the world premiere of Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires in Los Angeles on July 8, 2025.
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