Dee Freeman, a veteran performer known for her roles on “Sistus” and “The Young and the Restless,” has died. She was 66 years old.
Freeman passed away on April 2 after a battle with cancer, his family announced in a statement shared on social media. “She passed away peacefully after a brave and fearless fight,” her family said, adding that they were deeply touched by the outpouring of support she received during her illness.
Born in Louisiana in 1959, Freeman took an unconventional path to theater. After high school, she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. This experience influenced the discipline and resilience I brought to my subsequent work. After her military service, she began her artistic career through theater and later branched out into television and film.
Freeman recently gained attention for her role as Valerie Barnes on Sistus, and in a later season as the mother of K. J. Smith’s Andy Barnes. Her television credits also included appearances on “The Young and the Restless,” “Shameless” and “NCIS: Los Angeles.” She also appeared in the satirical comedy series ‘Pretty’ from 2010 to 2015.
At the time of her death, Freeman was developing a novel version of her one-man play The Poison Gun, which was inspired by her family’s history.
“Dee was more than just my client; she was someone I deeply respected and admired,” spokeswoman Desirae L. Benson said in a statement. “She carried herself with a rare level of grace, strength, and integrity. Even in the face of stage 4 lung cancer, she showed up with courage and dignity. Dee had a quiet ability to command respect without needing to demand it. Her legacy lies not only in her work, but in how she made people feel.”
In addition to his mother and brother, Freeman is survived by his children Amber and Shane;
