Dee Freeman dies at 66: Cause of death revealed

Dee Freeman, the actress best known for The Young and the Restless and Sistas, has died at the age of 66 after a courageous fight with stage 4 lung cancer. 

Her family confirmed the news in a heartfelt Instagram post on Friday, April 3.

“Dee passed away peacefully on April 2, after a brave and fearless fight with cancer,” the post read. 

“Thank you to everyone who supported Dee during her battle. It blew her away to know how many people cared about her. 

We know 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.”

Her publicist, Desirae L. Benson, described Freeman as “someone I truly respected and admired” and praised her courage and grace. 

“Even in the face of stage 4 lung cancer, she showed up with courage and dignity,” Benson said. 

“Dee had a quiet power that commanded respect without ever needing to demand it. 

Her legacy is not just in her work, but in how she made people feel — and that will stay with us forever.”

Before acting, she served six years in the United States Marine Corps, demonstrating the same strength she would bring to her screen roles. 

She debuted in a 1995 episode of Coach and went on to star in Seinfeld, ER, Dexter, Shameless, NCIS: Los Angeles, and 3rd Rock from the Sun. 

She also appeared in Pretty the Series, The Young and the Restless, and most recently Tyler Perry’s Sistas.

Freeman is survived by her children, Amber and Shane. 

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