Dolores "Dee" Freeman, Veteran Actress, Dies at 66

Actress Dolores "Dee" Freeman, known for her roles in television series such as "The Young and the Restless," "Shameless," and "Tyler Perry’s Sistas," passed away on April 2, 2026, at the age of 66. Her family announced her death via her Instagram page, stating she died peacefully after a battle with stage 4 lung cancer.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Dolores Freeman on June 6, 1959, in Louisiana, she served six years in the United States Marine Corps. Following her military service, Freeman relocated to Japan, where she worked as a radio DJ. Her acting career began in 1995 with an appearance in an episode of ABC's Coach.

Extensive Acting Credits

Throughout her career, Freeman amassed an extensive list of television credits. Notable appearances included:

• Soap Operas: "The Young and the Restless"
• Comedies: "Party of Five," "3rd Rock from the Sun," "Suddenly Susan," "Seinfeld," "Caroline in the City," "Kenan & Kel," "The Hughleys"
• Dramas/Procedurals: "The X-Files," "Six Feet Under," "ER," "Bones," "Dexter," "Crossing Jordan," "The Shield," "NCIS: Los Angeles," "Shameless," "Reasonable Doubt," "Tyler Perry’s Sistas"

From 2010 to 2015, Freeman also starred as Ribina Champagne in the parody reality series Pretty the Series.

Other Projects and Personal Life

At the time of her death, Freeman was in the process of adapting her one-woman show, Poison Gun, into a novel. The project was inspired by her family's history.

Freeman is survived by her two children, Amber and Shane, an ex-husband, and several exotic animals. Following her passing, friends and colleagues shared condolences and remembrances of her career.