Beloved *Young and the Restless* Actress Dies at 66 After Heartbreaking Health Battle

Dee Freeman, an accomplished actress, writer, and former U.S. Marine widely known for her roles in Sistas and The Young and the Restless, has tragically died at the age of 66.

After a courageous battle with stage 4 lung cancer, Freeman passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026.

The heartbreaking news was announced by her family via an emotional Instagram update the following day.

The versatile actress also boasted credits in hit shows like Seinfeld and Dexter.

Entering the world on June 6, 1959, in Louisiana, Freeman took an unconventional route to the entertainment industry. Post-high school, she joined the U.S. Marine Corps—a decision she once admitted began “on a dare,” yet it quickly blossomed into a core element of her identity.

Over her six-year service, she developed a profound sense of discipline, purpose, and fortitude that she attributed to her time in the military.

Transitioning from the armed forces, Freeman chased her artistic passions, building an impressive theatrical resume that included more than 80 stage performances. Celebrated for her powerful presence and emotional range, she seamlessly shifted into film and television, devoting over 20 years to the Hollywood scene.

Throughout her career, Freeman graced the screens of numerous iconic series, including Seinfeld, ER, The X-Files, Dexter, Shameless, and NCIS: Los Angeles. Furthermore, she appeared in The Young and the Restless and took on a starring role in the comedic web show Pretty.

More recently, she garnered fresh praise for portraying Valerie Barnes in the 9th and 10th seasons of BET’s Sistas, and had even been asked to return for Season 11.

“It blew her away to know…” Up until her passing, Freeman remained deeply dedicated to her craft. She was actively converting her solo stage performance, Poison Gun, into a novel drawing from her own family’s background—showcasing her relentless passion for storytelling.

Desirae L. Benson, her publicist, paid tribute to Freeman’s remarkable spirit in a heartfelt statement:

“Dee wasn’t just my client—she was someone I genuinely respected and admired. She carried herself with a level of grace, strength, and authenticity that is rare. Even while facing stage 4 lung cancer, she showed up with courage and dignity. Dee possessed a quiet power that commanded respect without ever needing to demand it. Her legacy lives on not only in her work but in the way she made people feel—and that will remain with us forever.”

Reiterating her prolonged struggle with the disease, her family confirmed her passing:

“Dee passed away peacefully on April 2, after a brave and fearless fight with cancer,” their statement read. “Thank you to everyone who supported Dee during her battle. It blew her away to know how many people cared about her and were rooting for her. We believe 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.”

Beyond her acting career, Freeman was a devoted mother to her two children, Amber and Shane. She often called them her greatest accomplishment in life.

She retained her trademark personality even in her final days. Her son, Shane, recalled that whenever she was asked about her condition, she would reply with characteristic wit: “Can’t complain. On the other side doesn’t do you any good.”

Living life purely on her own terms, Freeman once remarked that acting was her ultimate joy—a passion she held onto until her last breath.

She leaves behind her two beloved children, Amber and Shane.