LOS ANGELES — The cast of Disney’s Zombies franchise honored the memory of late actress Carla Jeffery during the 2026 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, as co-stars Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly dedicated the group’s award win to their former colleague.
Manheim and Donnelly took the stage on Saturday, November 14, after Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires won the new Watch Party: Kids’ Choice category. During their acceptance remarks, Manheim announced that the award was being dedicated to Jeffery, who portrayed cheerleader Bree in the first three films in the franchise. Donnelly followed with an affectionate message: “We love you, Carla!” Us Weekly reported.
The tribute gave the celebratory moment a deeply personal dimension. The award recognized a film that continues the franchise’s story, but the dedication also acknowledged the contribution of an actor who helped shape its earlier chapters and formed close relationships with her castmates.
A Familiar Face From The ‘Zombies’ Franchise
Jeffery played Bree, a cheerleader and close friend of Addison, the character portrayed by Donnelly, in Zombies, Zombies 2 and Zombies 3. She also returned to voice the character in Zombies: The Re-Animated Series. Her work made her a recognizable part of the Disney Channel franchise, which blends musical comedy, fantasy and themes of acceptance.
Jeffery died on September 1, 2026, at the age of 33. Her talent management company, Alexanders Talent Management, announced her death in a statement shared publicly, remembering her as a performer whose smile, laughter and talent had left a lasting impression. The agency did not disclose a cause of death. Variety reported on the announcement, while ABC News also covered the news and Disney’s tribute to the actress.
Co-Stars Remembered Her Warmth
Following news of her death in September, Manheim and Donnelly shared personal tributes that reflected the closeness of the cast. Manheim remembered Jeffery with affection, while Donnelly described her as a uniquely kind, funny and positive person whose presence brought joy to those around her.
Their words at the Kids’ Choice Awards continued that remembrance in front of a global audience. Rather than allowing the ceremony’s excitement to overshadow their loss, the actors used a moment of professional recognition to publicly celebrate a colleague and friend.
The ceremony’s official winners announcement confirmed Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires as the winner of the Watch Party: Kids’ Choice category. The 2026 awards were held at Television City in Los Angeles on November 14, with the show airing on CBS and Nickelodeon and streaming on Paramount+. Paramount’s official announcement listed the film among the night’s winners.
For fans of the franchise, the dedication was a reminder that the relationships built behind the scenes can remain meaningful long after filming ends. Manheim and Donnelly’s brief message ensured that Jeffery’s name was part of a night celebrating the series she helped bring to life.