Dee Freeman, the actress known for her roles in Tyler Perry’s Sistas and The Young and the Restless, has died. She was 66.
Freeman died on Thursday, April 2, 2026, following a battle with cancer, her family announced on Instagram.
“On behalf of her family, it is with deepest sadness that we share this update with you. Dee passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026 after a brave and fearless fight with cancer,” their statement reads. “Thank you to everyone who supported Dee during her battle. It blew her away to know how many people cared about her and were pulling for her. We know Dee is up there in heaven being the force of nature she always was. Now she’s doing it with her angel wings on. Rest in peace, Dee.”
A Life of Service and Art
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | 1959, Louisiana |
| Military Service | United States Marine Corps (after high school) |
| Career Start | Theater, then film and television |
| Passed Away | April 2, 2026 (age 66) |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
Born in Louisiana in 1959, Freeman joined the United States Marine Corps after high school. After serving in the military, she began her career in the arts, beginning with theater and then evolving into film and television.
Notable Roles
- Sistas (seasons 9 and 10): Portrayed Valerie Barnes, the mother to KJ Smith Black’s character Andi Barnes
- The Young and the Restless: Appeared in three episodes
- Shameless: Appeared in a 2016 episode
- NCIS: Los Angeles: Appeared in a 2021 episode
- Pretty the Series: Led the satirical comedy (2010-2015)
Final Project
At the time of her death, Freeman was developing a novel adaptation of her one-woman show Poison Gun, which was inspired by the history of her family.
Tributes
Desirae L. Benson, Freeman’s publicist, said in a statement:
“Dee wasn’t just my client — she was someone I truly respected and admired. She carried herself with a level of grace, strength, and authenticity that is rare. Even in the face of stage 4 lung cancer, she showed up with courage and dignity. Dee had a quiet power that commanded respect without ever needing to demand it. Her legacy is not just in her work, but in how she made people feel — and that will stay with us forever.”
Survivors
Freeman is survived by her children, Amber and Shane; her mother; brothers; and sisters.
