Dee Freeman, actress and Marine veteran, dies at 66

article

BURBANK, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 03: Actress Dee Freeman attends the 10th Annual Indie Series Awards at The Colony Theater on April 03, 2019 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES - Dee Freeman, an actress, writer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran known for her role on BET’s "Sistas," died April 2, 2026, at age 66 after a battle with cancer.

The backstory:

Freeman was born June 6, 1959, in Louisiana. After high school, she joined the U.S. Marine Corps, a decision she later said began "on a dare" but became a defining part of her life, shaping her discipline, resilience and sense of purpose.

RELATED: Pig semen eye drops may treat rare childhood eye cancer, study says

Following her military service, Freeman pursued a career in the arts, building a respected body of work in theater with more than 80 stage productions. She was known for bringing emotional depth, authenticity and a commanding presence to her performances.

She later moved to Los Angeles, where she worked for more than two decades in television and film. She was most recently known for her role as Valerie Barnes on BET’s Sistas, appearing in Seasons 9 and 10, and had been invited to return for Season 11.

Freeman also appeared in the multi-award-winning web series Pretty and remained committed to independent storytelling. At the time of her death, she was developing a novel adaptation of her one-woman show, Poison Gun, inspired by her family’s history.

What they're saying:

"Dee wasn’t just my client—she was someone I truly respected and admired," publicist Desirae L. Benson said in a news release. "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."

RELATED: Barry Manilow reveals how routine doctor visit for hip pain uncovered hidden cancer diagnosis

Dig deeper:

Beyond her career, Freeman was a devoted mother to her two children, Amber and Shane, whom she considered her greatest pride. She was remembered by family, friends and colleagues for her warmth, integrity and the lasting impression she made on those around her.

Freeman faced her illness with the same resilience that marked her life and career. 

In her final days, her son Shane recalled that when asked how she was doing, she replied, "Can’t complain. On the other side doesn’t do you any good."

She often said acting was her greatest passion and expressed no regrets, having lived life on her own terms and remaining proud of the path she forged.