Danielle Spencer, Child Star of ‘What’s Happening!!,’ Is Dead at 60
Danielle Spencer, the delightful child actress famed for her role as Dee Thomas on What’s Happening!!, has passed away at the age of 60. She died on August 11, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia, following a long battle with cancer. Her death was confirmed by former co-star Haywood Nelson, who remembered her as a “brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior” .
A Beloved Star from a Beloved Show
From the time Danielle Spencer first appeared on What’s Happening!! in 1976, she enchanted viewers with her sharp comic timing and signature catchphrase, “Ooooh, I’m gonna tell Mama!” Her portrayal of Dee Thomas, the quick-witted younger sister, made her a household name during the show’s original run from 1976 to 1979, and again in the revival series What’s Happening Now!! from 1985 to 1988 .
Early Tragedy and Resilience
Tragically, in 1977 during the show’s second season, Danielle Spencer and her stepfather Tim Pelt were involved in a severe car accident that left her in a coma for three weeks and claimed his life . Her physical and neurological recovery was long and arduous, lasting many months .
A Life of Health Challenges and Triumphs
Even after enduring the trauma of early injury, Danielle Spencer faced further health battles later in life. In 2004 she developed spinal stenosis, a condition necessitated by her earlier injuries, which at one point left her partially paralyzed for several months . In 2014, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy . Later, in 2018, she required emergency brain surgery to treat a hematoma stemming from her previous injuries .
A Lifelong Path of Healing
After stepping away from acting, Danielle Spencer pursued veterinary medicine. She earned her DVM from Tuskegee University in 1993 and dedicated her life to caring for animals and championing animal rights . Her achievements in this field were recognized in 2014 when she became the first child actor inducted into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture .
Loved and Remembered by Many
Tributes poured in from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Haywood Nelson posted a heartfelt tribute, calling Danielle Spencer “our Shero” and a “cancer heroine” . Her brother, Jeremy Pelt, described her as more than an actress — a friend, auntie, protector, and light in the lives of many . On social media, fans echoed this sentiment:
“No exaggeration, she was one of TV’s best comedians ever. NO ONE did deadpan better than she. She was incredible. RIP legend.”
Other reflections highlighted how integral Danielle Spencer was to viewers’ memories growing up — her humor, poise, and personality left a lasting impression .
Early Career and Transition
Danielle Spencer began acting at age 7 and rose to fame as Dee Thomas on What’s Happening!! at age 11. The sitcom, set in Watts, Los Angeles, chronicled the lives of three Black teenagers and was praised for its warm, humorous portrayal of family and neighborhood life . After the original series ended in 1979, she relocated with her mother to the Ivory Coast before returning to the U.S. to pursue her education . During the revival What’s Happening Now!!, she reprised her role while attending college .
As a veterinarian, her contributions continued both on screen and off: she portrayed a veterinarian in the film As Good as It Gets (1997) and appeared in a short film Peter Rabbit and the Crucifix (2001) .
Final Moments
Her passing was confirmed by a family spokesperson, who stated that Danielle Spencer succumbed to gastric cancer and experienced cardiac arrest. She died surrounded by her loved ones, including her mother and brother .
A Legacy of Strength and Heart
The story of Danielle Spencer is one of resilience, reinvention, and compassion. She rose from fame as a child performer to chart a life dedicated to healing — first herself, then animals she treated. Her legacy lives on in the laughter she inspired as Dee, her healing hands as a veterinarian, and her courage in facing relentless health challenges.
Her family’s statement captures the sentiment best: her spark will continue to light hearts, her legacy endures, and her memory shines far beyond the screen .
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