Disney star Carla Jeffery has passed away at age 33, following a storied career and major roles in projects like Zombies and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The actress’ cause of death remains unknown, and her manager, Carla Alexander, announced the unexpected news in an Instagram tribute on Wednesday.
“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,” her manager began, alongside a photo of Carla smiling for the camera.
“As Bree in Disney’s hit ZOMBIES franchise, Carla shared her joy, humor, and bright spirit with audiences around the world. Carla was more than a client; she was family.”
Her manager continued: “Our hearts are with Carla’s family and loved ones during this devastating time. We respectfully ask that their privacy be honored as they grieve this unimaginable loss. Rest beautifully, Carla. Your light will never be forgotten.”
Carla’s co-stars pay tribute
© Getty Images for IMDbCarla’s Zombies co-stars took to the comment section to share touching tributes to the actress, who also appeared in Shake It Up, Scream Queens, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Good Luck, Charlie.
Broadway star Milo Manheim, who portrayed Zed in the Disney franchise, wrote: “Carla. The sweetest person I have ever met. I love you,” before sharing a separate tribute on his social media page that read: “Love you Carlaboo. The sweetest, kindest, most loving person.”
Milo then posted a clip of Carla dancing on the set of iCarly, and added: “I pray you would want this brought back real quick. I [expletive] love you. Thank you for spreading so much joy.”
Chandler Kinney, who acted alongside Carla in Zombies 2 as Willa, wrote: “The brightest shining light in any room she walked into. The kindest person you’d ever meet. The most beautiful soul. This doesn’t feel real,” while Trevor Tordjman, who portrayed Bucky, added: “At a loss for words right now…I’ll never forget your energy and spirit Carla.”
Her legacy revealed
© Disney Channel via Getty ImagesShe played bubbly cheerleader Bree in Zombies, Zombies 2, and Zombies 3, and returned to the role for Zombies: The Re-Animated Series in 2024. Carla, who began acting at the age of 12, opened up about the importance of representing Black girls on the screen in an interview on The Tokens Podcast.
“I’m the token Black girl, and I’m the big Black girl,” she explained. “I can show it just for all my Black girls, but also for the thick ones, and that’s what I wanted to try to represent as I was going forward.”
© Disney Channel via Getty ImagesShe added that seeing others dressed up as her Zombies character made her incredibly emotional. “I guess I never thought I’d see myself as somebody’s inspiration.”
“It’s not about how big you are and everything, you’ve got young Black girls looking up to you,” she said. “I’m just like, ‘That’s what I want to keep doing. I’m just beyond happy that I actually get to be a part of that and helping them girls.”
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