Danielle Spencer, who brought sass, wit, and unforgettable one-liners to the role of Dee Thomas on ABC’s What’s Happening!!, has passed away at 60. Her longtime friend and co-star Haywood Nelson confirmed she died Monday in Richmond, Virginia, after a long battle with cancer.
“We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, What’s Happening!! cast member, veterinarian, animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine,” Nelson shared. “Our Shero. Danielle is loved. She will be missed in this form and forever embraced.”
Born June 24, 1965, in New York City, Spencer began acting at age 7 in a repertory company co-founded by her stepfather, actor Tim Pelt. Before landing her breakout role at 11, she had small appearances in films like Serpico (1973) and Harry and Tonto (1974).
On What’s Happening!! (1976–1979), Spencer became a fan favorite as Dee Thomas, the younger sister of Raj (Ernest Thomas), delivering her famous line, “Ooooh, I’m gonna tell Mama!” She reprised the role for What’s Happening Now!! (1985–1988).
Spencer’s life was marked by resilience. In 1977, she survived a devastating car accident that claimed her stepfather’s life and left her in intensive care for weeks. Decades later, she battled paralysis from a spinal condition and, in 2014, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy and later emergency brain surgery in 2018.
After leaving acting, Spencer pursued her lifelong passion for animals, earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University in 1993. She worked as a veterinarian for over 20 years in Los Angeles before relocating to Richmond, where she hosted a pet care segment on CBS affiliate WTVR-TV.
In 2014, she was inducted into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Reflecting on her journey in a 2016 interview, Spencer said:
“You really have to live life for you at that minute. And just try to have fun. Be lighthearted and be happy while you’re here, because you never know when that time is going to end.”
Danielle Spencer is survived by her mother, Cheryl, and her brother, Jeremy.
Her life and career — from TV screens to veterinary clinics — leave a legacy of humor, compassion, and courage that will continue to inspire.