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‘Young And The Restless’ actress dies at 66 after devastating diagnosis

 

Dee Freeman, a seasoned actress, writer, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran best known for her roles on Sistas andYoung And The Restless, has died at the age of 66.

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

Her family confirmed in a heartfelt Instagram post shared the following day.


Appeared in Seinfeld and Dexter

Born June 6, 1959, in Louisiana, Freeman’s journey to Hollywood was anything but ordinary. After high school, she joined the U.S. Marine Corps — a decision she once said began “on a dare,” but ultimately became a cornerstone of her identity.

She served six years, crediting the experience with shaping her discipline, resilience, and sense of purpose.

After her military service, Freeman turned to the arts, building an impressive career on stage with more than 80 theater productions. Known for her emotional depth and commanding presence, she later transitioned to television and film, where she spent over two decades working steadily in Hollywood.


Freeman appeared in a wide range of popular shows, including Seinfeld, ER, The X-Files, Dexter, Shameless, and NCIS: Los Angeles. She also had roles on The Young and the Restless and led the satirical web series Pretty.

In recent years, she gained renewed recognition for her portrayal of Valerie Barnes on BET’s Sistas, appearing in Seasons 9 and 10. She had been invited to return for Season 11.

”It blew her away to know…”

At the time of her passing, Freeman was still creating. She had been working on adapting her one-woman stage show, Poison Gun, into a novel inspired by her family’s history — a reflection of her continued commitment to storytelling.

Publicist Desirae L. Benson paid tribute to Freeman’s character and strength in a statement:

“Dee wasn’t just my client—she was someone I truly respected and admired. She carried herself with a level of grace, strength, and authenticity that is rare. Even in the face of stage 4 lung cancer, she showed up with courage and dignity. 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.”

According to her family, she died after a period-long battle with lung cancer.

”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 pulling for 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.”


Beyond her career, Freeman was a devoted mother to her two children, Amber and Shane, whom she often described as her greatest accomplishment.

Even in her final days, she remained true to her spirit. Her son Shane recalled that when asked how she was doing, she simply replied, “Can’t complain. On the other side doesn’t do you any good.”

Freeman lived life on her own terms, once saying acting was her greatest passion — and she carried that passion with her until the very end.

She is survived by her children, Amber and Shane.

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