Disney’s ‘zombies’ actress Carla Jeffery dies at 33

By Ihuoma Inyama

US actress Carla Jeffery, best known for playing cheerleader Bree in Disney Channel’s Zombies film franchise, has died at the age of 33.

Jeffery died on September 1, 2026, according to a statement shared by her management company, Alexanders Talent Management, on Instagram. No cause of death has been disclosed.

Her manager, Carla Alexander, described Jeffery as a “beautiful, vibrant and incredibly talented woman” whose smile could light up any room.

Jeffery joined Alexanders Talent Management at just 12 years old and remained with the agency for more than two decades.

“For more than 20 years, Carla was part of the Alexanders Talent Management family,” the company said. “Watching her grow from a talented young girl into the beautiful, vibrant woman and actress she became was an incredible privilege.”

The actress rose to prominence among Disney audiences through Zombies, which premiered in 2018. She played Bree, a cheerleader, and reprised the role in the franchise’s two sequels, Zombies 2 in 2020 and Zombies 3 in 2022.

Beyond the Disney franchise, Jeffery also appeared in the HBO comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm, where she had a recurring role as one of the Black family who moved in with Larry David following Hurricane Katrina.

Her death has prompted emotional tributes from her family, management team and former co-stars.

Jeffery’s twin brother, Carlon Jeffery, who is also an actor, shared the management company’s tribute alongside a video of his sister on a beach and a personal message he had previously sent her.

In the message, he described his sister as a source of light and praised her resilience, grace and infectious smile.

“You are truly a light that shines bright,” he wrote, adding that he was proud of her and would always have her back.

Jeffery’s Zombies co-stars also remembered the actress.

Chandler Kinney, who played Willa in the franchise, said Jeffery’s death “doesn’t feel real” as she recalled the positivity the actress brought to those around her.

“The sweetest, most sparkly gal. You made every day better and brighter with your infectious positivity,” Kinney wrote.

She added that Jeffery’s personality had been reflected in her portrayal of Bree, describing her as a “bubbly, vivacious heart-of-gold cheerleader” who loved uplifting others.

Milo Manheim, who played Zed in Zombies, also paid tribute, sharing a series of photographs of himself with Jeffery alongside the message: “Love you Carlaboo, the sweetest, kindest, most loving person.”

For fans who grew up watching the Zombies franchise, Jeffery’s death marks the loss of a familiar face from one of Disney Channel’s popular musical film series.

Her management company ended its tribute by remembering her laughter, talent and the joy she brought to those around her.

“Our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of our beloved Carla Jeffery,” the statement said.