Danielle Spencer, Beloved ‘Dee’ from ‘What’s Happening!!,’ Dies at 60 After Cancer Battle

Fans of the classic 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!! are mourning the loss of Danielle Spencer, the talented child star who brought sass, humor, and heart to the role of Dee Thomas. Spencer died Monday at the age of 60, following a long and courageous fight with cancer, her family confirmed.

Her brother, renowned jazz musician Jeremy Pelt, shared the emotional news in a heartfelt Instagram post early Tuesday morning, calling her “my big sister, my protector” and praising her positivity even in the darkest days. Haywood Nelson, Spencer’s long-time friend and co-star who played Dwayne Nelson, also posted a touching tribute, describing her as “brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic,” and celebrating her life and legacy.

Spencer passed away in a hospital in Richmond, Virginia. While her family has not shared additional details, both Pelt and Nelson emphasized her strength, warmth, and enduring influence.

Who Was Danielle Spencer, the Actress Behind Dee from ‘What’s Happening!!’?

Danielle Spencer first appeared on television screens in 1976 as Dee Thomas, the sharp-tongued younger sister of Raj (played by Ernest Lee Thomas), on ABC’s hit sitcom What’s Happening!!. Known for her quick wit and hilarious one-liners, Dee became one of the show’s most beloved characters.

The sitcom, inspired by the 1975 film Cooley High, followed the lives of three African American teenagers navigating life in Los Angeles. Spencer’s portrayal of Dee added humor, authenticity, and heart to the series, making her a standout star during all three seasons until 1979.

She later reprised the role in the sequel series What’s Happening Now!!, which ran from 1985 to 1988, delighting fans who grew up watching her on screen.

Life Beyond Hollywood: From Sitcom Star to Veterinarian

After her acting career slowed, Spencer pursued her passion for animal care. She attended UC Davis and UCLA before earning her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993. She went on to work as a veterinarian, continuing to bring care and compassion—this time to her four-legged patients.

Her later years were marked by resilience. In 1977, Spencer was involved in a devastating car crash that claimed the life of her stepfather, Tim Pelt, and left her in a coma for three weeks. Though she recovered, she faced long-term health complications, including spinal stenosis that led to temporary paralysis in 2004. Through determination and therapy, she regained her ability to walk.

In 2018, she underwent emergency brain surgery for a bleeding hematoma related to that same accident. Spencer was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and declared cancer-free after undergoing chemotherapy—until the illness returned in her final years.

Why Danielle Spencer’s Legacy Matters

Danielle Spencer was more than “Dee” from What’s Happening!!. She was a trailblazing Black child actress in an era when diversity on television was still limited, a role model for young viewers, and an example of courage in the face of adversity.

Her career showed that it’s possible to transition successfully from Hollywood fame to an entirely different profession—while still making an impact on the community.

Fans remember her for her humor, her charm, and her ability to bring authenticity to every scene. Friends and colleagues remember her as fiercely loyal, endlessly compassionate, and unwaveringly positive.

Remembering ‘Dee’ from What’s Happening!!

Danielle Spencer’s passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of fans, colleagues, and loved ones. Her portrayal of Dee remains an iconic part of television history, and her real-life story continues to inspire perseverance and hope.

Danielle Spencer’s journey—from child star to veterinarian, from personal tragedy to professional success—will forever be remembered as a testament to resilience, grace, and determination.

You Must Know:

Q: Who was Dee from ‘What’s Happening!!’?
Dee Thomas was the younger sister of Raj in the ABC sitcom What’s Happening!!, played by Danielle Spencer from 1976–1979 and in the sequel series What’s Happening Now!!.

Q: How did Danielle Spencer die?
She passed away at the age of 60 after a long battle with cancer, as confirmed by her brother Jeremy Pelt and co-star Haywood Nelson.

Q: What did Danielle Spencer do after acting?
After her acting career, Spencer became a licensed veterinarian, earning her degree from Tuskegee University in 1993.

Q: Did Danielle Spencer face health challenges before her death?
Yes, she survived a major 1977 car crash, later battled spinal stenosis and temporary paralysis, underwent brain surgery in 2018, and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014.

Q: Where did Danielle Spencer die?
She passed away in a hospital in Richmond, Virginia.