Carla Jeffery, the actress known for her role as cheerleader Bree in the Disney Channel Zombies franchise and her recurring appearances on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, died on September 1, 2026, at the age of 33, according to a statement from her representatives at Alexanders Talent Management.
The agency, which announced the news on Instagram, did not disclose a cause or place of death. Alexanders Talent Management noted that they began representing Jeffery when she was 12 years old, watching her grow into a vibrant performer over a career spanning more than two decades.
Houston Roots and Early Film Debut
Born on July 10, 1993, in Houston, Texas, Jeffery made her screen debut in the 2006 romantic comedy Phat Girlz, playing the 10-year-old version of the lead character Jazmin, portrayed by Mo’Nique.
Breakout Roles on Larry David’s Comedy
Shortly after her film debut, Jeffery secured a prominent television role on Larry David’s HBO comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm. She played Keysha Black across 10 episodes during the show’s sixth and seventh seasons from 2006 to 2008. In the storyline, her character belongs to a family displaced by Hurricane Katrina that moves in with David, alongside co-stars JB Smoove and Vivica A. Fox.
A Steady Resume Across Television and Film
Throughout the late 2000s and 2010s, Jeffery built a steady resume of television guest appearances. Her credits included roles on Southland, Good Luck Charlie, Shake It Up, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Suburgatory, and a recurring arc on the first season of Netflix’s mockumentary series American Vandal. She also appeared in features such as Teacher of the Year in 2014 and Girl on the Edge in 2015.
Finding Stardom in the Disney Zombies Franchise
Jeffery landed her signature career role as Bree, an aspiring cheerleader at Seabrook High School who befriends Addison, played by Meg Donnelly. She first appeared in the Disney Channel musical film Zombies in 2018, and reprised the role in sequels released in 2020 and 2022.
Expanding on the live-action films, Jeffery voiced the character of Bree in the 2024 animated television project Zombies: The Re-Animated Series. As part of the franchise, she also participated in cast music videos for songs including "Flesh & Bone" and "Fired Up," and appeared in Donnelly’s music video for "Impress."
Industry Tributes and Costar Remembrances
Following the announcement of her death, members of the entertainment industry and her Zombies castmates shared tributes on social media.
Alexanders Talent Management stated on Instagram, "For more than 20 years, we had the privilege of watching her grow into a beautiful, vibrant, and incredibly talented woman whose radiant smile could light up any room."
Costar Chandler Kinney wrote on Instagram that Jeffery was "the brightest shining light in any room she walked into," adding that she was "the kindest person you’d ever meet."
Milo Manheim, who starred as Zed in the Zombies series, posted, "Carla. The sweetest person I have ever met. I love you." Additional tributes were shared by cast members including Pearce Joza, Ariel Martin, Trevor Tordjman, and Swayam Bhatia.