Dee Freeman, the beloved actress known for her work on “Sistas” and “The Young and the Restless,” has passed away. She was 66. The Hollywood Reporter was first to confirm her death. Her family confirmed that Freeman died on April 2, 2026, following a battle with cancer. The news was shared in a heartfelt message posted to Instagram.
Family Shares Heartbreaking Statement
“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 fight with cancer,” their statement reads.
The statement added: “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.”
In October 2025, Freeman publicly shared her diagnosis in a candid Instagram post, opening up about her battle with cancer and asking for support.
“Hey ya’ll, Dee Freeman here. I need your help, I was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. That’s right, y’all, it comes after the pretty people too!!! I need help covering the whopping medical expenses I’m incurring. (outside of my medical insurance) I’m fighting this with not only Western medicine but alternative medicine as well. Whether your donation is big or small, every cent helps.”
Her message reflected both her honesty and determination as she faced the illness, drawing support from fans and loved ones during a deeply challenging time.
Emotional Tributes Highlight Her Strength, Grace, and Lasting Impact
Those who worked closely with Freeman remembered not only her talent but also her character.
“Dee wasn’t just my client — she was someone I truly respected and admired,” her publicist, Desirae L. Benson, said in a statement published by The Hollywood Reporter.
“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.”
From Military Service to a Passion for Performance
As per The Hollywood Reporter, she was born in Louisiana in 1959. Freeman’s path to acting began in service to her country.
After graduating high school, she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, an experience that instilled discipline and resilience she carried throughout her life.
When her military service ended, Freeman turned toward the arts. She began on stage before transitioning to television and film.
Memorable Roles Across Television and Film
Freeman built a steady and recognizable presence on television, becoming a familiar face to many viewers over the years.
Most recently, she appeared as Valerie Barnes on seasons 9 and 10 of “Sistas,” where she portrayed the mother of KJ Smith’s character, Andi Barnes.
As per IMDb, her filmography includes television work on shows like “The Young and the Restless,” “Shameless,” and “NCIS: Los Angeles,” reflecting a career that spanned genres and audiences.
Earlier on, she took center stage in the satirical comedy “Pretty the Series,” which ran from 2010 to 2015.
At the time of her passing, she was developing a novel based on her one-woman show “Poison Gun,” a deeply personal project inspired by her family’s history.
Freeman is survived by her children, Amber and Shane, as well as her mother and siblings. Her legacy lives on through her performances and the lives she touched along the way.
The Hollywood Reporter contributed to this report.
