Actress Dee Freeman, Star of ‘Sistas’ and ‘The Young and the Restless,’ Dies at 66

Final Role on “Sistas”

Dee Freeman, veteran actress best known for portraying Valerie Barnes on BET’s comedy‑drama Sistas, died on April 2, 2026, at age 66 after a courageous battle with cancer, her family confirmed. Her last on‑screen appearance came in the show’s tenth season, filmed in January, where her understated authority anchored the ensemble.

Legacy and Upcoming Spin‑off

Freeman’s career began in theater after serving in the military, later transitioning to daytime television with a long‑running stint on CBS’s The Young and the Restless. Colleagues praised her “quiet power” and the way she made fellow actors feel seen.

Tyler Perry’s Sistas continues to expand; a spin‑off titled Divorced Sistas was ordered in May 2025 and is slated for release next year. Producers said Freeman’s influence will remain woven into the series’ fabric.

Fans and co‑stars flooded social media with tributes, recalling her resilience, generosity, and the indelible mark she left on both the show and its audience.