Danielle Spencer, known for her iconic role as the wisecracking and witty little sister Dee Thomas on the beloved 1970s sitcom What's Happening!!, has passed away at the age of 60. Spencer succumbed to a long and courageous battle with cancer on Monday at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, as confirmed by family spokesperson Sandra Jones. Her legacy as both an actress and a veterinarian leaves an indelible mark on both the entertainment and animal advocacy communities.
As Dee Thomas, Spencer portrayed the more serious and intelligent younger sister who frequently delivered deadpan roasts to her older brother, Roger "Raj" Thomas, and his friends Dwayne Nelson and Freddie "Rerun" Stubbs. One of her most memorable catchphrases, "Ooh, I'm gonna tell mama," became a defining moment for her character and contributed to the show's enduring popularity. What's Happening!!, which aired on ABC from 1976 to 1979, was groundbreaking for its focus on the lives of Black teenagers in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts, drawing inspiration from the film Cooley High.
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, and raised in New York City, Spencer began her acting career at the tender age of 9. What's Happening!! marked her first credited role, and she later reflected on her unexpected rise to fame in a 2014 interview with Jet magazine. "Imagine being plucked from obscurity to star in a TV show," she said, noting the lack of representation for young Black girls in the media at the time.
Tragedy struck early in Spencer's life when, during the first season of What's Happening!!, she was involved in a severe car accident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. This incident left her in a coma for three weeks and resulted in the death of her stepfather, Tim Pelt. Following the accident, Spencer faced significant spinal and neurological challenges that required multiple surgeries over the years.
Despite her struggles, Spencer found a new path in life, ultimately becoming a veterinarian and a passionate advocate for animal rights. She earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993 after attending the University of California, Davis, and UCLA. Her commitment to animals reflected her compassionate spirit and dedication to healing.
Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne on What's Happening!!, paid heartfelt tribute to Spencer, calling her "Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior." He expressed the profound loss felt by those who knew her, stating, "We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, 'What's Happening' cast member, veterinarian animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine. Our Shero." These words highlight the impact she had on her family, friends, and fans alike.
In addition to her work on What's Happening!!, Spencer reprised her role in the mid-1980s reboot, What's Happening Now!!, which enjoyed a successful three-season run. In 2018, she underwent emergency surgery related to complications from her earlier car accident. Despite her health challenges, including a breast cancer diagnosis in 2014 that led to a double mastectomy, Spencer continued to appear in acting roles, including a notable performance as a veterinarian in the 1997 film As Good as it Gets.
Danielle Spencer is survived by her brother, musician Jeremy Pelt, and her mother, Cheryl Pelt. Her contributions to both television and veterinary medicine have left a lasting legacy that will be remembered by fans and loved ones alike.
