The entertainment world lost a bright light when Carla Jeffery passed away at just 33 years old. You probably know her best as Bree, the bubbly, high-energy cheerleader from Disney Channel's mega-hit Zombies franchise. But her footprint in Hollywood goes way back before she ever pulled on a Seabrook High cheer uniform.
Carla Jeffery built a remarkable two-decade career through sheer dedication, earning the love of millions of viewers who grew up watching her on screen. For a closer look into similar topics, we recommend: this related article.
From Child Actor to Disney Darling
Born in Houston, Texas, in 1993, Carla entered the entertainment industry alongside her twin brother, Carlon Jeffery, who also found success on Disney Channel playing Cameron Parks in A.N.T. Farm. Acting started as a way to help a shy kid open up. It quickly turned into a lifelong calling.
Her early breakout television role came in HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm. Playing Keysha Black across ten episodes in the sixth and seventh seasons put her right in the middle of comedy royalty alongside Larry David. Not many young actors hold their own in a room like that. Carla did it effortlessly. For broader context on this issue, extensive coverage is available at The New York Times.
Guest appearances followed on major networks and shows, including Good Luck Charlie, Shake It Up, Scream Queens, and American Vandal. She paid her dues in guest spots and smaller parts long before landing the role that made her a household name.
Finding Her Forever Role as Bree in Zombies
In 2018, everything changed. Disney Channel cast Carla as Bree, the cheerful, ambitious aspiring cheerleader and best friend to Addison in the musical fantasy film Zombies.
The movie resonated instantly with kids and teens. Carla brought a unique brand of physical comedy, warmth, and genuine enthusiasm to the role. She reprised her character in Zombies 2 in 2020 and Zombies 3 in 2022, eventually voicing Bree in Zombies: The Re-Animated Series in 2024.
For young viewers, seeing a plus-size Black woman portray a confident, joyful lead cheerleader in a major Disney project meant everything. Carla understood that representation mattered deeply. She spoke candidly about taking pride in being someone young fans could look up to, often meeting kids who dressed up as Bree for Halloween or cosplay events.
Advocacy Beyond the Screen
Carla faced personal challenges away from the cameras, too. Diagnosed with epilepsy at 18, she initially kept her condition private out of fear that it might hurt her career or cause directors to pass on her auditions.
She eventually changed her perspective. With the support of her long-time manager, Carla Alexander, she began speaking out about living with epilepsy. In 2022, she participated in a public service announcement for Disability Pride Month on the Disney Channel. She wanted to show young people that medical conditions do not define your potential or stop you from chasing your dreams.
Her advocacy created a ripple effect of comfort and reassurance for others navigating similar health diagnoses in silence.
Tributes and Enduring Legacy
News of her passing on September 1, 2026, brought an immediate wave of heartbreak across social media. Co-stars shared touching memories of her incredible warmth and constant positivity. Milo Manheim called her the sweetest person he had ever met. Chandler Kinney described her as the brightest light in any room.
Disney Entertainment Television released a statement acknowledging how her extraordinary talent and genuine spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who worked with her.
Carla Jeffery left us far too soon. Her work on Zombies and beyond ensures her infectious smile and bright energy live on forever.
Carla Jeffery, Disney's Zombies Star, Dies at 33
This video provides a concise overview of Carla Jeffery's career milestones and her lasting impact on fans of the Zombies franchise.
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