What’s Happening!!’ star Danielle Spencer dies at 60
A Beloved Icon Bids Farewell
It’s a profoundly sad moment—Danielle Spencer, best known as the wise-cracking Dee Thomas from What’s Happening!!, passed away on August 11, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia, after a long battle with cancer. She was 60. Her passing was announced by longtime co-star Haywood Nelson, who remembered her as a “brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior.”EW.comAP News
The Announcement and Reaction
News outlets, from Entertainment Weekly to the Associated Press, shared the somber update, highlighting Spencer’s enduring legacy both on screen and beyond.EW.comAP News Colleagues and fans alike responded with heartfelt tributes, marking the end of a remarkable life grounded in resilience and compassion.
From Dee Thomas to Veterinary Hero
Rise to Fame on What’s Happening!!
At just 11 years old, Danielle Spencer captured hearts as Dee Thomas, the sassy younger sister on ABC’s What’s Happening!!, a comedy hit from 1976 to 1979. Her catchphrase—“Ooooh, I’m gonna tell Mama!”—became legendary.EW.comWikipedia She briefly returned to this role in the series sequel What’s Happening Now!!, airing from 1985 to 1988.EW.comWikipedia
Triumph Over Tragedy
In a tragic turn of events, a 1977 car accident left Spencer in a coma for three weeks and claimed her stepfather’s life. She endured months of rehabilitation, but made a powerful comeback to the show—an early testament to her tenacity.ParadeWikipedia
A Life Beyond Acting
The Journey to Veterinary Medicine
After stepping away from acting, Spencer pursued science—earning her veterinary medicine degree from Tuskegee University in 1993 following undergraduate studies at UCLA. Her new path was a deeply personal one: part vocation, part calling.Wikipedia+1 She practiced veterinary medicine in California before relocating to Virginia, where she also appeared on TV segments offering pet advice.WikipediaWikipedia
Advocating for Animal Welfare
Her background gave her a unique voice in animal care—Shifting from alleviating pain to identifying root causes became her philosophy. Her advocacy and healing hands earned her an audience beyond Hollywood.WikipediaBlackDoctor.org
Battling Health Challenges
The 1977 Car Crash and Recovery
The earlier mentioned 1977 crash had long-term effects. Years later, Spencer battled spinal issues and partial paralysis. Through surgery and intense rehab at the Kessler Institute, she walked again—another sign of her unbreakable spirit.ParadeWikipedia
Breast Cancer, Brain Surgery, and Spinal Struggles
Spencer faced numerous medical battles—the cancer diagnosis in 2014 led to a double mastectomy, and in 2018 she underwent emergency brain surgery due to a hemorrhage. Her health struggles extended her narrative of survival into adulthood, inspiring many.New York PostThe SunDecider+1BlackDoctor.org
Legacy and Remembrance
Smithsonian Honor and Cultural Impact
In 2014, Spencer became the first child actor inducted into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture—a clear recognition of her influence on both pop culture and representation.DeciderWikipedia
Tributes from Co-Stars and Fans
Haywood Nelson’s tribute was heartfelt—calling her “our Shero” and a “cancer heroine.”DeciderNew York Post Fans joined in, celebrating her life as one marked by humor, heart, and unwavering courage.
Final Thoughts on an Inspiring Life
Danielle Spencer’s life was like a star’s arc in reverse—from early fame into a life of quiet service and advocacy. She endured personal tragedies, reinvented herself multiple times, and never lost her shine. From Dee Thomas to Dr. Spencer, she lived a legacy—in laughter, healing, and perseverance.
FAQs
1. What role did Danielle Spencer play in What’s Happening!!?
She played Dee Thomas, the spirited younger sister known for her quips and charm.EW.com
2. What did she do after leaving acting?
She pursued veterinary medicine, earning a doctorate and advocating for animal welfare.WikipediaDecider
3. What health challenges did she face?
She survived a life-threatening car accident as a child, battled breast cancer, underwent emergency brain surgery, and coped with spinal paralysis.New York PostDecider
4. Was she honored for her achievements?
Yes—she was the first child actor inducted into the Smithsonian’s African American History and Culture Museum.DeciderWikipedia
5. Who survived her?
She is survived by her mother, Cheryl, and her brother, jazz musician Jeremy Pelt
