Danielle Spencer, who captured the hearts of audiences as the witty and perceptive younger sister Dee Thomas on the iconic 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!”, has passed away at the age of 60. According to family spokesperson Sandra Jones, Spencer succumbed to cancer on Monday at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, after a prolonged battle with the disease.
In her role as Dee, Spencer was known for her deadpan humor and clever comebacks, constantly delivering memorable lines like “Ooh, I’m gonna tell mama.” The show, which aired on ABC from 1976 to 1979, was groundbreaking for its portrayal of Black teenagers in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts. Inspired by the film “Cooley High,” the series featured a diverse cast, including the nerdy Raj, the catchphrase-loving Dwayne, and the dancing sensation Rerun, alongside Spencer’s unforgettable character.
Tragically, during the filming of the show’s first season, a young Spencer was involved in a severe car accident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. The incident left her in a coma for three weeks and resulted in the loss of her stepfather, Tim Pelt. Following the accident, Spencer faced numerous health challenges, including spinal and neurological issues that necessitated multiple surgeries.
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, and raised in New York, Spencer began her acting career at the tender age of 9. Her role in “What’s Happening!!” was her first credited performance. In a 2014 interview with Jet magazine, she reflected on her extraordinary journey, stating, “Imagine being plucked from obscurity to star in a TV show. I had never seen any young Black girl in that type of spotlight, so I didn’t have a reference point in the media as to how to deal with this opportunity.”
Haywood Nelson, who portrayed Dwayne on the show, shared heartfelt tributes on social media. He described Spencer as “Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior,” and expressed the deep loss felt by those who knew her. “We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, ‘What’s Happening’ cast member, veterinarian animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine. Our Shero,” he wrote on Instagram.
Spencer revisited her role as Dee in the mid-1980s reboot, “What’s Happening Now!!,” which aired for three seasons. Despite ongoing health issues, including emergency surgery in 2018 for complications stemming from her earlier car accident, she remained resilient. By 2004, she was using a wheelchair and had to relearn how to walk after her health declined.
In 2014, Spencer was diagnosed with breast cancer, leading to a double mastectomy. She channeled her passion for animals into a successful career as a veterinarian, earning her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993 after studying at the University of California, Davis, and UCLA.
In addition to her veterinary career, Spencer made occasional appearances in the entertainment industry, including a role as a veterinarian in the 1997 film “As Good as it Gets.” She is survived by her brother, musician Jeremy Pelt, and her mother, Cheryl Pelt.
Danielle Spencer’s legacy as both a talented actress and a compassionate veterinarian will be cherished by fans and loved ones alike. Her journey from a beloved child star to a dedicated animal advocate serves as an inspiring testament to her resilience and commitment to making a difference.
