Young And The Restless star Dee Freeman dead at 66 after ‘brave’ battle with cancer

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Dee Freeman died on Thursday, April 2nd, at the age of 66, after fighting lung cancer with courage.

Family and friends confirmed the passing of the beloved actress on Friday, sharing a heartfelt message on her Instagram account.

Throughout her career, Freeman appeared in several television shows, including episodes of “The Young and the Restless” and Tyler Perry’s “Sistas.”

It is with great sadness that Dee’s family announces her passing. She died peacefully on April 2, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dee was deeply touched by the incredible support she received during her illness. Knowing so many people were thinking of her and wishing her well meant the world to her.

Dee’s family shared that she was a vibrant and powerful person throughout her life, and they imagine she’s bringing that same energy to heaven. They said she’ll be deeply missed and wish her peace.

Desirae L. Benson, who was Freeman’s publicist, posted on Instagram, expressing her grief and calling Freeman a ‘beloved client.’ She said she was ‘heartbroken’ to learn of her passing.

Dee was just incredible. As someone who had the pleasure of knowing and working with her, I can honestly say she was a rare talent, but more than that, she was genuinely warm, graceful, and real. She touched so many lives, and I feel lucky to have been one of them.

Benson shared that she fought cancer with incredible strength and determination. Though they are deeply saddened by her loss, they are relieved she is no longer in pain.

The actress’s publicist highlighted her lasting impact on the film industry, noting that she was a powerful and memorable performer.

Benson shared that the actress will be fondly remembered for her warmth, inner strength, and ability to brighten any space. Her lasting impact will be one of courage, creativity, and love, continuing to inspire others for years to come.

I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful person. My heart goes out to her family, friends, coworkers, and everyone who knew and loved her.

Born in Louisiana in 1959, Freeman joined the U.S. Marine Corps after high school and served for six years, earning the rank of Sergeant.

After leaving the service, I was thrilled to learn she moved to Japan! She actually became a DJ at a radio station over there, which I think is just amazing – such a cool and unexpected career move for her!

She began her acting career after moving to Los Angeles, making her first on-screen appearance in 1995 with a small role on the TV show Coach, according to her IMDB profile.

Throughout the 1990s, she appeared in guest roles on popular shows like Party of Five, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and Seinfeld.

In 1997, Freeman appeared as a nurse on The Young and the Restless. She later returned to the show in 2009, playing a judge in two episodes.

Throughout the 2000s, she continued acting, appearing in popular shows like The X-Files, Six Feet Under, ER, Boston Public, Ghost Whisperer, and Dexter.

The actress starred in an episode of Shameless as well as NCIS: Los Angeles. 

Most recently, Freeman appeared as Valerie Barnes in seasons nine and ten of Tyler Perry’s Sistas.

Season 10 of the series premiered earlier this year in January. 

She was also working on a horror film called Don’t Move, featuring Lyndsy Fonseca, Hunter King, and Tom Cavanagh.

Before her passing, Freeman had been adapting her one-woman show Poison Gun into a novel. 

Last year, in an Instagram post, she explained that the work was inspired by her upbringing in Louisiana, the tragic murder of her grandparents, and the investigation that followed.

In October 2025, Freeman announced on social media that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer. 

I was so touched when she started a GoFundMe to help with her incredibly high medical bills. It really showed how much she needed support, and I was happy to contribute anything I could.

She shared on Instagram that she’s using both traditional and alternative treatments in her health battle, and that any amount of support, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated.

I’m reaching out to the casting directors and industry groups who’ve helped me in the past. I’m ready to take on even small voiceover roles – a girl’s gotta cover her health insurance!

The actress shared that Muhammad Ali is her favorite boxer, and she felt inspired by his energy and power.

I’m ready to fight this cancer with everything I have, and I’m so grateful to have your support.

Freeman posted the same message on the GoFundMe campaign, which was almost at its $18,000 goal when she passed away.

The late actress is survived by her children Amber and Shane, ex-husband and exotic animals. 

Morgan Freeman has owned a variety of animals throughout her life, including a bearded dragon, ball pythons, a white rat, and a Pacman frog, according to her website.

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2026-04-04 09:49