Carla Jeffery, ‘ZOMBIES’ Actress Who Played Bree, Dies at 33

Carla Jeffery, the actress known to a generation of Disney Channel viewers for her role as Bree in the ZOMBIES franchise, has died. She was 33.

Jeffery died on Tuesday, September 1. Her longtime manager, Carla Alexander of Alexanders Talent Management, confirmed the news in a statement shared on social media. A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

Jeffery became a familiar face to Disney audiences as Bree, Addison’s best friend and a cheerleader at Seabrook High, beginning with the original ZOMBIES film in 2018. She returned for ZOMBIES 2 and ZOMBIES 3 and later continued the role as a voice performer in ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series.

Her career, however, began years before she arrived in Seabrook. A Houston native, Jeffery started acting at the age of 12, appearing alongside Mo’Nique in the 2006 film Phat Girlz. She went on to build a television résumé that included appearances in Curb Your Enthusiasm, Southland, iCarly, Shake It Up!, Good Luck Charlie, Best Friends Whenever, American Vandal and Game Shakers.

For younger viewers, it was her years as Bree that made Jeffery especially recognizable. She remained connected to the character across multiple installments of the Disney franchise, becoming part of the ensemble that helped turn ZOMBIES from a Disney Channel Original Movie into a larger franchise with sequels and an animated series.

Beyond her acting career, Jeffery had also spoken publicly about living with epilepsy. In 2022, she participated in a Disney Channel PSA during Disability Pride Month and shared her experience with the Epilepsy Foundation, discussing how she initially feared that revealing her diagnosis could affect her opportunities as an actress.

News of Jeffery’s death has prompted tributes from members of the ZOMBIES family and fans who grew up watching her as Bree. At just 33 years old, Jeffery leaves behind a career that began when she was a child and ultimately introduced her to millions of viewers. For ZOMBIES fans in particular, Bree will remain an important part of Seabrook and the franchise that became a defining Disney favorite for a generation.

The TV Cave extends its condolences to Carla Jeffery’s family, friends, colleagues and everyone mourning her loss.