Actress Dee Freeman, recognized for her performances on BET’s “Sistas” and “The Young and the Restless,” passed away on Thursday at the age of 66 due to complications from Stage IV lung cancer.
The family of Freeman announced her death via Instagram, revealing she died peacefully on April 2, 2026. The family’s statement characterized her fight against cancer as “brave and fearless” and expressed gratitude to those who supported her throughout her medical struggle. They mentioned she was “blown away” by the tremendous support she received.
In her most recent work, the performer appeared in seasons nine and 10 of Tyler Perry’s “Sistas,” playing Valerie Barnes, the mother of Andi Barnes, played by KJ Smith Black. Before her passing, she had received an invitation to appear in the series’ 11th season. Her last appearance on screen occurred in January.
Desirae L. Benson, Freeman’s publicist, paid tribute to the actress with a statement highlighting her lasting impact: “Dee had a quiet power that commanded respect without ever needing to demand it.”
A Louisiana native born on June 6, 1959, Freeman followed an atypical route to acting. Upon graduating from high school, she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, allegedly because of a dare, and completed six years of military duty. This experience instilled in her the discipline and strength that would characterize her personal and professional journey.
After completing her time in the military, Freeman began her artistic career, initially performing in theater before moving into television and film. Throughout a thirty-year career, she participated in over 80 theatrical productions.
Her first television role came in 1995 on ABC’s “Coach.” Subsequently, she worked in Los Angeles for over twenty years, accumulating an extensive list of guest roles on well-known series such as “Seinfeld,” “ER,” “The X-Files,” “Dexter,” “Shameless,” and “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
Her work included three episodes on CBS’s “The Young and the Restless” during 1997 and 2009. Additionally, Freeman starred in the satirical comedy “Pretty the Series” between 2010 and 2015, portraying Ribina Champagne and gaining notice in independent television circles.
In addition to her on-screen performances, Freeman maintained her dedication to theater and narrative arts. When she died, she was developing a novel adaptation of her one-woman show “Poison Gun,” which was inspired by her family’s past. This project demonstrated her commitment to personal storytelling and independent artistic endeavors.
People who knew Freeman best recalled her fortitude and dignity, particularly during her last days. Shane, her son, recounted that when questioned about her condition toward the end, she responded, “Can’t complain. On the other side doesn’t do you any good.”
A dedicated mother, Freeman regarded her two children, Amber and Shane, as her most important achievements. She leaves behind her mother, brothers, and sisters as well.
The death of Freeman represents the loss of a multifaceted performer who excelled equally in television, cinema, and stage productions. From her beginnings as a Marine through her last performance on “Sistas,” she tackled every phase of her life with resolve and genuineness.
Both colleagues and admirers recall a performer who contributed richness and subtlety to each part she played, from multi-episode storylines in Tyler Perry productions to brief appearances on network shows. The actress’s capacity to resonate with viewers stemmed from an authentic foundation, influenced by her distinctive life journey and steadfast dedication to her craft.
A gifted performer whose influence on the industry reached well beyond her on-screen presence has been lost. The legacy of Freeman continues through her creative work, her children, and the many individuals she influenced with her dignity, fortitude, and quiet power.