Entertainment

Dolores Dee Freeman, Sistas and Young and the Restless Actress, Dies at 66

· By Marcus Rodriguez

Dolores Dee Freeman, Sistas and Young and the Restless Actress, Dies at 66 - News Directory 3

Dolores ‘Dee’ Freeman, an actress recognized for her roles in The Young and the Restless and Tyler Perry’s Sistas, has died at the age of 66.

Her family announced on Instagram that Freeman passed away on April 2, 2026, following a brave and fearless fight with stage 4 lung cancer.

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.

Freeman’s family via Instagram

Early Life and Military Service

Born in Louisiana on June 6, 1959, Freeman entered the United States Marine Corps after high school. She served in the military for six years before relocating to Japan, where she worked as a radio DJ.

Following her time in the military and abroad, Freeman transitioned into the arts. According to reporting from The Hollywood Reporter, she began her career in theater before evolving into film and television work.

Television Career and Notable Roles

Freeman made her first onscreen appearance in a 1995 episode of the ABC series Coach. This debut led to a prolific career with guest appearances across a wide array of television genres and networks.

Her extensive credits include roles in the following series:

  • Seinfeld
  • The X-Files
  • ER
  • Bones
  • Dexter
  • Party of Five
  • 3rd Rock from the Sun
  • Suddenly Susan
  • Caroline in the City
  • Kenan &amp. Kel
  • The Hughleys
  • Six Feet Under

In more recent years, Freeman appeared in three episodes of The Young and the Restless and a 2016 episode of Shameless. In 2021, she appeared in an episode of NCIS: Los Angeles.

Freeman had a significant presence in Tyler Perry’s Sistas, where she portrayed Valerie Barnes, the mother of Andi Barnes. She appeared in seasons nine and 10 of the series.

Between 2010 and 2015, Freeman also starred as Ribina Champagne in the satirical parody reality show Pretty the Series.

Literary Pursuits and Personal Life

At the time of her death, Freeman was working on a novel adaptation of her one-woman show titled Poison Gun. The project was inspired by the history of her family.

Freeman is survived by her children, Amber and Shane, as well as an ex-husband and multiple exotic animals.