Dee Freeman, the actor known for Tyler Perry's 'Sistas' and 'Young and the Restless', passed away at the age of 66 after a long battle with cancer. Freeman's family announced in a statement that the actor peacefully passed away on April 2, 2026. In an Instagram post shared by the family, it was stated, "Dee has embarked on her eternal journey peacefully after a brave and fearless fight against cancer. We thank everyone who supported Dee during her struggle."

Born in Louisiana in 1959, Freeman joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school. After completing her military service, she began a career in the arts, initially working in theater before transitioning to film and television. Most recently, she portrayed the character Valerie Barnes in the ninth and tenth seasons of Tyler Perry's 'Sistas'. This role was established as the mother of the character Andi Barnes, played by KJ Smith.

Freeman appeared in three episodes of 'Young and the Restless', in an episode of 'Shameless' in 2016, and in an episode of 'NCIS: Los Angeles' in 2021. Additionally, Freeman starred in the satirical comedy series 'Pretty the Series' from 2010 to 2015, enriching her career with various productions.

At the time of her passing, Freeman was working on a novel adaptation inspired by her one-woman show 'Poison Gun' and her family's history. The actor's public relations consultant Desirae L. Benson expressed her feelings in a statement about Freeman, saying, "Dee was not just my client; she was a person I deeply respected and admired. She lived with a grace, strength, and authenticity that no one else possessed."

Benson emphasized Freeman's courage and dignity in her battle against stage four lung cancer, noting that the actor never lost her strength and spirit even during the toughest times of her illness.