Dee Freeman, a talented actress best known for her role as Valerie Barnes in Tyler Perry’s Sistas, passed away on April 2, 2026, at the age of 66. Her family confirmed her death through a heartfelt statement on Instagram, revealing that she had been battling stage 4 lung cancer.
Born in Louisiana in 1959, Freeman’s journey began after she joined the United States Marine Corps following high school. Her career in entertainment took off with her leading role in the satirical comedy Pretty the Series, which aired from 2010 to 2015.
In addition to her work on Sistas, Freeman made appearances in three episodes of The Young and the Restless. At the time of her passing, she was in the process of developing a novel adaptation of her one-woman show, Poison Gun.
Her family expressed their sorrow, stating, “On behalf of her family, it is with deepest sadness that we share this update with you. Dee passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, after a brave and fearless fight with cancer.” They also thanked her supporters, noting, “It blew her away to know how many people cared about her and were pulling for her.”
Desirae L. Benson, Freeman’s publicist, shared her admiration for the actress, stating, “Dee wasn’t just my client — she was someone I truly respected and admired. Her legacy is not just in her work, but in how she made people feel — and that will stay with us forever.”
Freeman is survived by her children, Amber and Shane, as well as her mother, brothers, and sisters. Her passing marks a significant loss in the entertainment community, where she was celebrated not only for her talent but also for her spirit and resilience.
As tributes pour in from fans and colleagues alike, the impact of Freeman’s work and her vibrant personality will be remembered by many. Her contributions to television and her ability to connect with audiences will leave a lasting legacy.
