Carla Jeffery, the United States actress best known for her breakout role across Disney Channel’s beloved *Zombies* film franchise, has passed away at 33. No details surrounding the cause of her death have been released to the public as of this reporting.
Jeffery first earned widespread recognition for her portrayal of Bree, a warm-hearted high school cheerleader, in Disney’s 2018 original movie *Zombies*, and went on to reprise the fan-favorite role in the franchise’s 2020 and 2022 sequels. Before her rise to fame with Disney, she held a recurring role on the hit comedy series *Curb Your Enthusiasm*, where she appeared as a member of the Black family that moved in with protagonist Larry David in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The news of Jeffery’s passing was first confirmed by her agent, Carla Alexander, who remembered the young star as a deeply gifted and joy-filled presence. “She was a beautiful, vibrant and incredibly talented woman whose radiant smile could light up any room,” Alexander said in a statement.
Her talent management firm, Alexanders Talent, shared an official public tribute on Instagram that expressed the team’s profound grief. “Our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of our beloved Carla Jeffery,” the post read. “For more than 20 years, Carla was part of the Alexanders Talent Management family, and watching her grow from a talented young girl into the beautiful, vibrant woman and actress she became was an incredible privilege.”
The statement added: “We will remember her infectious smile, her laughter, her talent, and the beautiful light she carried everywhere she went. Our deepest love and condolences are with Carla’s family and loved ones. We ask that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time. Rest beautifully, Carla. You will be deeply missed and forever loved.”
Jeffery’s twin brother, Carlon Jeffery – himself also a working actor – shared the management team’s statement to his own social media, alongside additional personal tributes: a candid clip of the actress enjoying time on a beach, and a screenshot of an undated text message he had sent her. “Hey Sis, call me back when you get this. I was just calling to see how your day went! I love you to the moon & back sis,” the text opened.
It continued: “I just want you to know how proud I am of you. Your resilience, your grace, your infectious smile that lights up a room. You are truly a light that shines bright. Don’t let anyone dim that light, even yourself. The light you carry is special and must be protected at all times. You are the best sister a brother could ask for. Pray we continue to grow closer to one another along this journey. I got your back in this life and the next.”
Jeffery’s *Zombies* co-stars also opened up about their grief and shared heartfelt remembrances of the actress. Chandler Kinney, who portrayed Willa in the franchise, wrote that the news of Jeffery’s death “doesn’t feel real.” “Carla. The sweetest, most sparkly gal. You made every day better and brighter with your infectious positivity,” Kinney said. “I think part of why you brought such effervescence to Bree (aside from your immense talent) is because that’s really who you were in your heart; a bubbly, vivacious heart-of-gold cheerleader who loved nothing more than to uplift those around her.”
Milo Manheim, who led the franchise as zombie football player Zed, shared a carousel of personal photos of the pair alongside a short, tender caption: “Love you Carlaboo, the sweetest, kindest, most loving person.”