Иван Петров
Disney Star Carla J. Jeffery Remembered After Her Death at 33
Long before the heartbreaking messages began appearing online, Carla J. Jeffery had already left an impression on the people who knew her — not only through her work on screen, but through the warmth, humor and energy she carried into her relationships away from the cameras.
The actress, best known to millions of Disney viewers as Bree in the “Zombies” franchise, died on September 1, 2026, at the age of 33. As news of her death spread, former colleagues, friends and loved ones began sharing memories of a performer whose career had started when she was still a child.
Yet among the many tributes, one stood apart for its deeply personal nature: a message from Carla’s twin brother, Carlon Jeffrey, written with the expectation that their journey together still had many chapters ahead.
A Career That Began at Just 12 Years Old
Born in Houston, Carla began acting when she was only 12. One of her earliest film appearances came in the 2006 comedy “Phat Girlz,” starring Mo’Nique.
Over the years, she became increasingly familiar to younger television audiences. Her Disney Channel debut came in 2011 with an appearance on “Good Luck Charlie,” followed by two episodes of “Shake It Up!”
Her résumé continued to grow with appearances in productions including “Scream Queens,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Suburgatory,” “Torchwood” and “Uncle Buck.” She also had a recurring role during the first season of Netflix’s “American Vandal.”
But for many fans, the role that would ultimately define Carla’s career arrived in 2018.
Bree Became One of Her Most Recognizable Roles
Carla joined Disney Channel’s “Zombies” as Bree, the energetic and loyal friend of Addison. The role proved to be an especially natural fit for an actress who already had real-life cheerleading experience.
During her childhood in Cincinnati, Carla had competed with the Midwest Marauders, giving her a background that complemented Bree’s enthusiastic personality.
She returned to the franchise for “Zombies 2” in 2020 and once again played Bree in “Zombies 3” in 2022. The third film ultimately became her final live-action role.
Carla later continued voicing Bree in “Zombies: The Re-Animated Series,” although she did not return for the 2025 film “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires.” She had also not been announced for the upcoming “Zombies 5: Secrets of the Sea.”
Her final performing credit came in a 2025 episode of the audio series “Asanté.”
Her Management Team Announces the Heartbreaking News
Confirmation of Carla’s death came from Alexanders Talent Management, the agency that had represented her since she was 12 years old.
In an emotional “In Loving Memory” tribute shared on Instagram, the agency reflected on watching Carla grow from a young performer into an accomplished woman over more than two decades.
They remembered her as a vibrant and immensely talented person whose smile could brighten a room, while also highlighting the joy and humor she brought to audiences through her portrayal of Bree Prattle in the “Zombies” franchise.
But the relationship between Carla and the people representing her clearly extended beyond the usual professional connection.
“Carla was more than a client; she was family.”
The agency asked that her family’s privacy be respected as they cope with what it described as an unimaginable loss.
At the time the news was announced, Carla’s cause of death had not been publicly disclosed. Her representative said additional information would be shared in the coming days.
Her Twin Brother’s Words Take On a Heartbreaking New Meaning
Among all the messages shared after Carla’s death, perhaps none was more personal than the tribute from her twin brother, Carlon Jeffrey.
Carlon also grew up in the entertainment industry and is known to Disney Channel audiences for playing Cameron Parks on “A.N.T. Farm.” The twins had both entered show business at young ages, sharing an experience few siblings could fully understand.
Following Carla’s death, Carlon shared an emotional message through his Instagram Story accompanied by Brandy’s “Best Friend.”
The post appeared to show a message he had previously sent his sister. It began simply, with a brother trying to reach his twin and asking her to call him back because he wanted to know how her day had gone.
He told Carla that he loved her “to the moon & back” before explaining just how proud he was of the woman she had become.
“I just want you to know how proud I am of you. Your resilience, your grace, your precious shine that lights up a room.”
Carlon encouraged his sister to protect that light and never allow anyone — including herself — to diminish it.
He called Carla the best sister a brother could ask for.
Then came the words that have taken on an entirely different meaning following her death.
“I pray we continue to grow closer to one another along this journey. I got your back in this life and the next.”
What had originally been a loving promise between siblings now reads as a devastating farewell.
Her ‘Zombies’ Co-Stars Remember Her Joy and Energy
Carlon was far from the only person remembering Carla for the brightness she brought into the lives of others.
Several members of her “Zombies” family shared emotional tributes after learning of her death.
Chandler Kinney described her former co-star as “the sweetest, most sparkly gal,” admitting that the loss did not feel real.
She remembered Carla as someone whose infectious positivity could make an ordinary day feel brighter. Photographs and video shared alongside the tribute captured happier moments between Carla and members of the cast, including footage of Chandler running toward her friend for an embrace.
For Chandler, the joyful personality audiences saw in Bree was not simply an acting choice. She believed much of the character’s effervescence came directly from Carla herself.
She described her as a bubbly, vivacious person with a heart of gold who genuinely enjoyed lifting up the people around her.
Chandler also recalled the laughter they shared away from the cameras and Carla’s habit of breaking into her signature splits on dance floors.
“You’re a legend in my eyes, and your legacy of bringing joy and comfort to people everywhere will live on forever.”
Milo Manheim and Trevor Tordjman Join the Tributes
Milo Manheim also remembered his former co-star through a series of Instagram Story posts, describing Carla as one of the sweetest, kindest and most loving people he had known.
Alongside the grief, Milo chose to remember some of the humor Carla had brought to the screen. He shared an old scene from “iCarly” in which she danced with Gibby Gibson, saying he hoped Carla would have wanted the moment brought back.
His message ended with gratitude for the joy she had spread throughout her life.
Trevor Tordjman also posted photographs of the cast and shared a simple farewell to Carla, saying she would be missed.
His second message echoed something that appears again and again in the tributes from those who worked alongside her:
“Will never forget your energy. Truly one of a kind.”
A Light Her Friends Say Will Not Be Forgotten
From the management team that had known Carla since childhood to the actors who stood beside her on Disney sets years later, the memories shared after her death have been remarkably consistent.
Again and again, those closest to her have spoken about her energy, kindness, humor and ability to make the people around her feel brighter.
Her acting career stretched from childhood roles to television appearances and eventually to the “Zombies” franchise that introduced her to a new generation of viewers. But the tributes suggest that the person behind those performances left an even deeper impression.
And perhaps no words capture that more powerfully than those written by her twin brother before they became a farewell.
A brother checking on his sister, asking about her day and reminding her how proud he was of her ended his message with a promise that now feels painfully permanent:
“I got your back in this life and the next.”
Последно обновена на 3 септември 2026, 20:35 от Иван Петров