Disney actress Carla Jeffery, best known for starring in the ZOMBIES film franchise, has died aged 33.
The actress died on Tuesday, with her talent agency, Alexanders Talent Management, confirming the news in an emotional statement shared on social media.
A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Jeffery had worked with the agency for more than two decades, having begun her acting career as a child.
Announcing her death, the agency said: ‘It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Carla Jeffery.’
Paying tribute to the actress, they continued: ‘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.’
‘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.’
Her other credits included Good Luck Charlie and Shake It Up, the Disney series which helped launch Zendaya and Bella Thorne to global fame, as well as a memorable stint on Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Her co-stars and loved ones were quick to share tributes to the late actress after the news of her death broke.
Broadway star Milo Manheim, who played Zed in the ZOMBIES franchise, wrote in the comments of the announcement on Instagram: ‘Carla. The sweetest person I have ever met. I love you,’ before sharing another tribute on his page: ‘Love you Carlaboo. The sweetest, kindest, most loving person.’
Chandler Kinney, who played Willa in ZOMBIES 2, 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.’
The actor who played Bucky, Trevor Tordjman, wrote: ‘At a loss for words right now…I’ll never forget your energy and spirit Carla.’
Born in Houston, Texas, on July 10, 1993, Jeffery began pursuing acting after moving to California with her family.
Her twin brother, Carlon Jeffery, was initially signed by talent agent Carla Alexander, with Jeffery subsequently taking acting classes herself and quickly developing a love for performing.
She reportedly booked her first television job at the age of 12 and went on to build a career spanning both comedy and children’s television.
One of her earliest major parts came in Curb Your Enthusiasm, where she appeared in the sixth season as Keysha Black.
However, she became best known for playing cheerleader Bree in Disney’s hugely successful Z-O-M-B-I-E-S franchise.
Jeffery appeared as the character across the first three films, which followed the students of Seabrook High as humans and various supernatural communities attempted to coexist.
The musical franchise became a major success for Disney, with the films collectively attracting hundreds of millions of streaming hours on Disney+.
Opening up about her motivation to continue acting during an appearance on The Tokens Podcast, Jeffrey said: ‘I’m the token Black girl, and I’m the big Black girl.
‘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.’
When she was asked about how she felt seeing young Black girls dress up as her ZOMBIES character for Halloween, she said it made her very emotional, adding: ‘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. 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.’