Remembering Danielle Spencer
Danielle Spencer, the former child star best known as the sassy and quick-witted Dee Thomas on the classic ABC sitcom “What’s Happening!!“, has passed away.
She was 60.
Her longtime friend and co-star Haywood Nelson shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on August 11.
While the cause of death has not been publicly confirmed, Nelson revealed that Spencer had been in a long battle with cancer.
“Brilliance! It comes in a great many forms. We all have them, and we all have this family’s — Dr. Danielle Spencer (June 24, 1965 – August 11, 2025),” Nelson wrote.
“Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior, without fail, has finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body. We celebrate Danielle Spencer and her contributions as we regret to inform her departure and transition from a long battle with cancer.”
He continued, “We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, ‘What’s Happening!!‘ cast member, veterinarian, animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine. Our Shero. Danielle is loved. She will be missed in this form and forever embraced.”
From ‘What’s Happening!!’ To Real-Life Hero
Born June 24, 1965, in the Bronx, New York, Danielle Spencer became a household name in 1976 when she was cast as Dee Thomas, the sharp-tongued younger sister to Roger (Ernest Thomas) in “What’s Happening!!.”
The series, inspired by the 1975 film Cooley High, ran for three seasons before returning in syndication as “What’s Happening Now!!” in 1985.
Spencer reprised her role as a now college-aged Dee and remained a fan favorite throughout the show’s run.
Her comedic timing, memorable one-liners, and undeniable charm made her one of the most iconic child stars of the era.
Triumph Over Tragedy
Spencer’s life was not without hardship.
On September 6, 1977, during the show’s second season, she was involved in a devastating car accident that left her in a three-week coma and claimed the life of her stepfather, Tim Pelt.
She spent six months recovering.
Years later, she experienced paralysis due to spinal stenosis, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, and bravely underwent chemotherapy.
In 2018, she endured emergency brain surgery for a bleeding hematoma — a lingering effect of that 1977 accident.
Through it all, Danielle Spencer remained resilient, positive, and deeply committed to helping others.
A Passion For Healing
After “What’s Happening!!” and its revival ended, Spencer’s life took a remarkable turn.
She and her mother lived in Africa for a time before she enrolled at the University of California, Davis, to study veterinary medicine a path her late stepfather had always encouraged.
She later attended Tuskegee University Veterinary School in Alabama, earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1996.
Spencer dedicated her life to caring for animals, championing animal rights, and serving as a beloved veterinarian.
Danielle Spencer’s Legacy
Danielle Spencer will forever be remembered as more than just Dee Thomas from “What’s Happening!!.”
She was a trailblazing Black actress, a devoted animal advocate, a healer, and a survivor who faced every challenge with grace and courage.
Her legacy is one of strength, laughter, and compassion, qualities that touched fans, friends, and the countless lives she helped both on and off the screen.
Rest in peace, Dr. Dee. You will be deeply missed.
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Oh wow! Only at 60? 😔 RIP to a legend. I loved her as Dee