A wave of sadness spread through the Disney community after actress Carla Jeffery’s management company announced that she had passed away at only 33. Alexanders Talent Management confirmed that Jeffery died on September 1, though no cause was disclosed. The agency had represented her for more than 20 years, watching her develop from an ambitious young performer into an accomplished actress. In a heartfelt statement, representatives remembered her infectious smile, joyful laughter, and the warmth she brought wherever she went. They also offered condolences to Jeffery’s family and requested privacy during this painful period. For countless viewers, however, the news immediately brought back memories of one especially cheerful Disney character.
Jeffery became widely recognized for playing Bree, the energetic cheerleader and close friend of Addison in Disney Channel’s popular Zombies franchise. She appeared in the original 2018 musical and returned for Zombies 2 and Zombies 3. She later voiced the same character in Zombies: The Re-Animated Series, keeping Bree alive for a new audience. Yet her career had started many years before she entered the colorful world of Zombies—and her journey began with a childhood dream she refused to abandon.
Born in Houston, Jeffery started performing in elementary school talent shows and began acting professionally at just 12 years old. Her first movie role came in the 2006 comedy Phat Girlz, starring Mo’Nique. That opportunity became an early investment in a career that would eventually span film, television, and voice acting. Jeffery later appeared in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Uncle Buck, American Vandal, and the police drama Southland. She also played Keysha Black across 10 episodes of HBO’s acclaimed comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm. Away from the screen, acting remained part of the family: her twin brother, Carlon Jeffery, portrayed Cameron Parks on Disney Channel’s A.N.T. Farm.
Jeffery’s final years showed that her connection to Disney audiences remained strong. In July 2025, she attended the Los Angeles premiere of Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, smiling for photographers at the El Capitan Theatre. Her career ultimately stretched across more than two decades, taking her from a determined young performer to a familiar face for an entire generation. Friends, colleagues, and fans are now remembering far more than her television credits. They are honoring the laughter, kindness, and unmistakable light her representatives said she carried into every room.