A beloved TV and Hollywood actress has sadly died, aged 66, her family has confirmed
13:22, 04 Apr 2026Updated 15:04, 04 Apr 2026
A US Shameless star has sadly died
Shameless star, Dee Freeman, has sadly died aged 66. The beloved US actress, also known for shows including Tyler Perry’s Sistas as well as The Young and the Restless, died after a “brave and fearless fight with cancer”, her family confirmed.
Their statement on Instagram read: “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.
“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.”
Dee Freeman, who played Mrs Seery, in an episode of the US version of hit TV show, Shameless, also starred in seasons nine and 10 of Tyler Perry’s Sistas(Image: @deefreemanactor/Instagram)
Dee, who played Mrs Seery, in an episode of the US version of Shameless, also starred in seasons nine and 10 of Sistas, NCIS: Los Angeles, and satirical comedy Pretty the Series from 2010 to 2015.
Desirae L. Benson, Dee’s publicist, said in a statement: “Dee wasn’t just my client — she was someone I truly respected and admired.
“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.”
Born in 1959 in Louisiana, Dee spent six years serving in the US Marine Corps before pursuing her dream of becoming an actress(Image: WireImage)
Desirae L. Benson, Dee’s publicist, said in a statement: ‘Dee wasn’t just my client — she was someone I truly respected and admired.'(Image: Getty Images)
Born in 1959 in Louisiana, Dee spent six years serving in the US Marine Corps before pursuing her dream of becoming an actress. After leaving the corps, she lived in Japan, where she worked as a DJ at a radio station. Eventually, Dee moved to Los Angeles, where she secured her first TV credit in a minor role on the show Coach.
After this, she went on to appear on Party of Five, 3rd Rock From The Sun, Seinfeld, The X-Files, Six Feet Under, and ER.
Dee, who was developing a novel adaptation of her one-woman show Poison Gun, which was inspired by the history of her family, is survived by her children, Amber and Shane, and her mother, brothers, and sisters.
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