Disney Channel actress Carla Jeffery, who became a fan favorite through her role as Bree in the “Zombies” franchise, has died at the age of 33.
Jeffery died Tuesday, Sept. 1, according to her longtime manager, Carla Alexander, who announced the news in a statement posted to the actress’ Instagram account Wednesday night. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Carla Jeffery,” Alexander wrote while announcing the actress’ death.
Jeffery had been represented by Alexanders Talent Management since she was just 12 years old, giving the agency a front-row seat to virtually her entire professional career.
Alexander said the agency watched Jeffery develop from a young performer into a successful actress over the course of more than two decades. The manager remembered her as a vibrant woman whose personality extended well beyond her work on screen.
“Carla was more than a client; she was family,” Alexander said.
Her management team asked that Jeffery’s family and loved ones be given privacy as they mourn her death.
Disney Entertainment Television also issued a statement following the news, remembering Jeffery for the impression she made on both audiences and the people who worked alongside her.
The company praised her talent, warmth and ability to connect with viewers, while extending condolences to Jeffery’s relatives, friends, colleagues and fans.
Jeffery was best known for portraying Bree, the energetic cheerleader and close friend of Addison in Disney Channel’s “Zombies.”
She first appeared as the character in the original 2018 film and later returned for “Zombies 2” and “Zombies 3.” Jeffery subsequently continued the role as a voice actress in “Zombies: The Re-Animated Series.”
Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from several actors who worked alongside her in the popular Disney franchise.
Chandler Kinney, who played Willa, said the news “doesn’t feel real” while remembering Jeffery as someone whose positivity routinely brightened the lives of those around her.
Kinney said she felt fortunate to have experienced Jeffery’s friendship and affection during their years working together.
Milo Manheim, who starred as Zed in the franchise, also shared memories of Jeffery on Instagram following the announcement.
Manheim called his former co-star the “sweetest, kindest, most loving person” while sharing photographs and videos from their time together.
Trevor Tordjman, known to “Zombies” viewers as Bucky Buchanan, similarly remembered the energy Jeffery brought to the set.
“Carla, you will be missed,” Tordjman wrote, adding that she was “truly one of a kind.”
Jeffery’s twin brother, actor Carlon Jeffery, also paid tribute to his sister following her death. Carlon, who appeared in Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm,” described his sister as a bright light and reflected on the bond they shared, per Trending Politics.
Long before “Zombies” made Jeffery recognizable to millions of Disney viewers, she had already spent years building a career in Hollywood.
The Houston native began acting professionally at 12, appearing in the 2006 comedy “Phat Girlz.” She went on to land roles across a range of television programs as she transitioned from child acting into adult roles.
Her television credits included appearances on “iCarly,” “Good Luck Charlie,” “Shake It Up,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Scream Queens” and “American Vandal.”
Jeffery also had a recurring role on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” appearing as Keysha Black in 10 episodes of the long-running comedy.
Her biggest breakthrough, however, came with “Zombies,” which introduced her to a new generation of Disney Channel viewers and became the role most closely associated with her career.
Jeffery remained connected to the franchise years after the original film, eventually voicing Bree in its animated continuation.
News of her death stunned fans and former castmates, particularly given her age. Public statements released in the immediate aftermath focused heavily on her humor, kindness and energetic personality.
As of Thursday, neither Jeffery’s management nor her family had publicly announced what caused her death.
