Dee Freeman Dies at 66 After Lung Cancer Battle

Dee Freeman, the veteran actress known for her roles on television series including "The Young and the Restless" and Tyler Perry's "Sistas," died on April 2, 2026, at the age of 66 following a battle with stage 4 lung cancer.

Freeman passed away peacefully, as confirmed by her family in a statement posted on her Instagram account. "On behalf of her family, it is with deepest sadness that we share this update with you," the post read. "Dee passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, after a brave and fearless fight with cancer. 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." Her publicist, Desirae L. Benson, also confirmed the news, describing Freeman's resilience in the face of her illness.

Born in Louisiana on June 6, 1959, Freeman took an unconventional path to her acting career. After graduating high school, she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving for six years and rising to the rank of sergeant. The experience instilled a sense of...