Dee Freeman, veteran actress known for The Young and the Restless and Sistas, dies at 66

Dee Freeman, a veteran actress known for roles on The Young and the Restless and Tyler Perry’s Sistas, died April 2 at age 66 after a battle with stage 4 lung cancer. Her family announced her death in a statement shared on social media.

Family Confirms Dee Freeman’s Death

Freeman’s family said she died peacefully after what they described as a brave and fearless fight with cancer. They thanked supporters for their encouragement during her illness and said she was moved by the outpouring of care.

Her publicist, Desirae L. Benson, praised Freeman’s strength and dignity, noting that she carried a “quiet power” that earned respect.

Dee Freeman’s Early Life and Military Service

Born June 6, 1959, in Louisiana, Freeman joined the United States Marine Corps after high school. She served six years, an experience that shaped her discipline and resilience.

Transition Into Acting

After leaving the military, Freeman turned to the arts. She built a respected theater career, performing in more than 80 stage productions before building an illustrious career television and film.

She made her onscreen debut in 1995 in an episode of the ABC sitcom Coach.

Television Career

Freeman appeared in more than 60 screen roles, some including:

• The Young and the Restless (1997, 2009)
• Sistas (Seasons 9 and 10 as Valerie Barnes)
• Seinfeld
• Dexter
• Shameless
• NCIS: Los Angeles
• The X-Files
• ER
• Pretty the Series (2010–2015)

Her recent work on Sistas resonated with viewers, and she had been invited to return for Season 11.

She won numerous awards and earned two NAACP Image Award nominations for “Homegirl” at the Court Theater and “The Last Street Play” at the Colsac Theater.

Freeman was also especially proud of her work in the multi-award-winniong web series Pretty, reflecting her commitment to meaningful and independent storytelling.

Creative Work and Legacy

At the time of her death, Freeman was developing a novel adaptation of her one‑woman stage production Poison Gun, inspired by her family’s history.

Benson said Freeman’s legacy extends beyond her performances, emphasizing how she made people feel and the authenticity she brought to every role.

“Dee Freeman faced her illness with courage and dignity, embodying the same resilience that defined her life. Her legacy will live on through her body of work, her storytelling, and the countless lives she touched,” said Benson.

Freeman is survived by her children, Amber and Shane, as well as her mother and siblings.