Actress Carla J. Jeffrey Passes Away at 33 – Her Brother Posts a Moving Final Message – Details

Long before the heartbreaking tributes began pouring in, the star had left a lasting impression on the people closest to her.

Carla J. Jeffrey built a career around bringing energy, humor, and unmistakable warmth to the screen. Now, those who knew her best are sharing memories that reveal just how much of that brightness extended far beyond the characters she played.

As news of the actress's death spread, former colleagues and loved ones began looking back on a career that started when she was still a child. But amid those tributes, one particularly intimate farewell offered a heartbreaking glimpse into the bond Carla shared with someone who had been beside her from the very beginning.

Carla, a Houston native, began acting at just 12 years old with a role in the 2006 movie "Phat Girlz," starring Mo'Nique. She later became a familiar face to Disney Channel audiences, appearing in shows such as "Good Luck Charlie," "Shake It Up!" and "Best Friends Whenever."

Her talent management representative told KTLA that additional information would be shared in the coming days, as Carla's cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed. "She loved what she did. She was a great person," the rep said.

Her Management Team Confirms the Devastating News

The announcement that Carla has died came through her longtime talent management team, which shared an "In Loving Memory" tribute on Instagram. The memorial stated that Carla died on September 1, 2026, at 33 years old. She had been represented by Alexanders Talent Management since she was 12.

"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," the tribute reads.

The agency remembers Carla particularly for playing Bree Prattle in Disney's "Zombies" franchise, writing that she shared "her joy, humor, and bright spirit with audiences around the world."

But their relationship with the actress seemingly went well beyond business. "Carla was more than a client; she was family," the statement continued. The agency asked that Carla's family's privacy be respected as they grieve their "unimaginable loss." "Rest beautifully, Carla. Your light will never be forgotten," the message concluded.

The caption accompanying the announcement was similarly emotional: "May be gone from this world but not from our hearts. Rest in Peace Carla J. Jeffery ❤️🙏🏾 [sic]."

From Disney Guest Star to a 'Zombies' Fan Favorite

Carla's association with Disney began years before she became Bree. She made her Disney Channel debut in a 2011 episode of "Good Luck Charlie" before appearing in two episodes of "Shake It Up!"

Her other credits included a recurring role during the first season of Netflix's "American Vandal," as well as appearances in "Scream Queens," "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," "Suburgatory," "Torchwood," and "Uncle Buck."

Eventually, however, it was the role of Bree that became a defining chapter of her career. Carla already had cheerleading experience when she joined Disney Channel's "Zombies" franchise in 2018, as during her childhood in Cincinnati, she had competed with the Midwest Marauders.

That background made Bree, Addison's loyal and energetic friend, a particularly fitting role. Carla returned for "Zombies 2" in 2020 before once again playing Bree in "Zombies 3" in 2022. "Zombies 3" ultimately became Carla's final live-action role.

She continued voicing Bree in "Zombies: The Re-Animated Series," but did not return for 2025's "Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires." She had also not been announced as part of the cast for the upcoming "Zombies 5: Secrets of the Sea." Her final performing credit came through a 2025 episode of the audio series "Asanté."

Her Twin Brother's Message Hits Especially Hard

Among the tributes that followed, however, one came from a person whose connection to Carla stretched far beyond Hollywood. That dedication came from Carla's twin brother, Carlon Jeffrey, who is also a Disney Channel alumnus, best known for portraying Cameron Parks on "A.N.T. Farm."

After his sister's death, Carlon shared a deeply personal message on his Instagram Story, accompanied by Brandy's song "Best Friend." The post showed what appeared to be a message he had previously sent Carla. "Hey Sis," it began. "Call me back when you get this.. I was just calling to see how your day went! I love you to the moon & back sis🌙​​♋ [sic]."

The words that followed now carry an especially poignant meaning: "I just want you to know how proud I am of you. Your resilience, your grace, your precious shine that lights up a room."

He urged his sister never to allow anyone to dim that light. "You are truly a light that shines bright. Don't let anyone... dim that light.. even yourself." Carlon continued, "The light you carry is special and must be protected at all times. You are the best sister a brother could ask for."

Then came perhaps the most heartbreaking part of the message, as he spoke about the future they still expected to share:

"I pray we continue to grow closer to one another along this journey. I got your back in this life and the next."

Against the backdrop of Carla's death, those final words have taken on an entirely different weight.

Carla's 'Zombies' Family Remembers 'The Sweetest, Most Sparkly Gal'

Carla's brother is not alone in remembering the actress's light. Several of her "Zombies" castmates shared emotional tributes after news of her death emerged. Chandler Kinney, who starred alongside Carla in the franchise, called her "the sweetest, most sparkly gal."

"This doesn't feel real," Chandler wrote. "You made every day better and brighter with your infectious positivity." In her Instagram tribute, Chandler shared photographs of herself with Carla and other members of the "Zombies" cast, along with a video of herself running to embrace her friend.

Chandler reflected on the qualities Carla brought to Bree, suggesting that the actress's memorable performance came from something much more genuine.

"I think part of why you brought such effervescence to bree [sic] (aside from your immense talent) is because that's really who you were in your heart; a bubbly, vivacious heart-of-gold cheerleader who loved nothing more than to uplift those around her," she wrote.

Chandler also said she felt "grateful" to have known Carla's love and recalled the fun they shared away from the cameras. "I'm going to miss laughing with you, and watching you break out your signature splits on any & every dance floor," she continued.

"You're a legend in my eyes, and your legacy of bringing joy and comfort to people everywhere will live on forever. I love you so much, CarlaBoo."

Milo Manheim also remembered Carla through a series of posts on his Instagram Story. Sharing a photograph with his former co-star, he wrote, "Love you Carlaboo, the sweetest, kindest, most loving person."

Milo later shared a humorous scene that Carla once appeared in on "iCarly," in which she danced with Gibby Gibson. "I pray you would want this brought back real quick," he wrote alongside the clip. "I [expletive] love you. Thank you for spreading so much joy."

Trevor Tordjman shared his own tribute through Instagram as well, posting two cast photographs. "Carla, you will be missed," he wrote in one.

His second message summed up a quality that appears repeatedly across the remembrances from those who worked with her: "Will never forget your energy. Truly one of a kind."

From the management team that watched the Disney star grow up to the castmates who remember her infectious personality, Carla's tributes have been strikingly consistent.

But Carlon's words may be the most difficult to read now. A brother simply checking on his sister and telling her he had her back ended his message with a promise that, after her death, feels heartbreakingly permanent: "I got your back in this life and the next."