'Doesn't Feel Real': Co-Stars and Twin Brother Pay Heartbreaking Tributes to Late Disney Star Carla Jeffery

American actress Carla Jeffery, best known for playing Bree in Disney's Zombies franchise, died on 1 September aged 33, according to her longtime management company, which announced her death on Instagram the following day. Her management did not disclose a cause of death.

Jeffery played cheerleader Bree in Disney's 2018 film Zombies and reprised the role in Zombies 2 in 2020 and Zombies 3 in 2022. Disney confirmed her return as Bree for the third film, which premiered on Disney+ before later airing on Disney Channel. She also appeared as Keysha Black in Curb Your Enthusiasm, playing a member of the displaced family taken in by Larry and Cheryl David.

Alexanders Talent Management said Jeffery had been part of its family for more than 20 years. Her manager, Carla Alexander, remembered her as a 'beautiful, vibrant and incredibly talented woman' whose smile could light up a room.

In its Instagram statement, the company said its 'hearts are broken' and asked that the privacy of Jeffery's family and loved ones be respected. It also reflected on watching her develop from a young performer into an adult actress, describing that experience as an 'incredible privilege.'

The management company said it would remember Jeffery for her smile, laughter and talent. Its tribute ended by saying she would be deeply missed and 'forever loved.'

Twin Brother Shares Personal Tribute

Jeffery's twin brother, actor Carlon Jeffery, reposted the management company's statement and shared a beach clip of his sister alongside a screenshot of an undated text message he had sent her.

In the message, Carlon asked his sister to call him back and said he had wanted to hear about her day. He told her he loved her 'to the moon & back' and expressed pride in her resilience, grace and the warmth she brought to others.

Carlon also encouraged his sister to protect the qualities that made her distinctive. He told her not to let anyone 'dim that light' and described her as the best sister a brother could ask for.

He ended the message by expressing hope that they would continue growing closer and assuring her, 'I got your back in this life and the next.'

The screenshot itself does not establish when the message was sent. Describing it simply as an undated message avoids presenting it as Jeffery's final text exchange without direct confirmation.

Zombies Co-Stars Remember Carla Jeffery

Chandler Kinney, who played Willa in the Zombies films, said Jeffery's death 'doesn't feel real' in an Instagram tribute. She called Jeffery the 'sweetest, most sparkly gal' and remembered the positivity she brought to those around her.

Kinney also drew a connection between Jeffery's personality and her portrayal of Bree, saying the actress brought an effervescent quality to the character because it reflected who she was away from the camera. She described Jeffery as someone who enjoyed uplifting others and said she was grateful to have known her.

Milo Manheim, who played Zed in the franchise, also paid tribute on Instagram. Sharing photographs of Jeffery, he wrote, 'Love you Carlaboo, the sweetest, kindest, most loving person.'

Fellow Zombies cast member Trevor Tordjman, who played Bucky, also remembered Jeffery's energy and described her as 'one of a kind.'

Jeffery's career extended beyond Zombies. Her television credits included iCarly, Good Luck Charlie, Shake It Up, Southland, Suburgatory, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and American Vandal. She also voiced Bree in Zombies: The Re-Animated Series.

Her management has not disclosed further details about the circumstances of her death and has asked that Jeffery's family and loved ones be given privacy as they grieve.