Danielle Spencer, beloved ‘What’s Happening!!’ star and veterinarian, dies at 60 after battle with cancer

Danielle Spencer Remembered: From ‘What’s Happening!!’ to Veterinary Medicine

Danielle Spencer, the actress who stole hearts as the quick-witted and sassy Dee Thomas on the beloved 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!, has died at the age of 60. Spencer passed away yesterday (August 11), at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia. After a lengthy battle with breast cancer, Spencer passed. Her death was confirmed this morning by her former co-star Haywood Nelson. Nelson called her a “brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior.” Also, a “cancer heroine” in a heartfelt Instagram tribute.

Spencer’s passing marks the end of a life that was defined by early fame, tremendous personal challenges, and a successful second act. Later, she worked as a respected veterinarian and animal rights advocate. Fans, former colleagues, and admirers from across the country have been flooding social media with condolences, memories, and clips from her iconic performances.

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Danielle Luise Spencer was born on June 24, 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey. However, she spent much of her childhood in the Bronx, New York. She was the daughter of writer Cheryl Pelt and considered actor Tim Pelt, her stepfather, to be her primary father figure after her parents separated early in her life.

Spencer began acting at just seven years old in a repertory company co-founded by her stepfather. She landed small, uncredited roles in notable films. The films included Serpico (1973) and Harry and Tonto (1974) before her big break arrived in 1976. At age 11, she was cast as Dee Thomas. She was the sharp-tongued younger sister of Roger “Raj” Thomas (Ernest Thomas) on What’s Happening!!. Itself, was a sitcom loosely inspired by the hit movie Cooley High.

Dee quickly became a fan favorite thanks to Spencer’s impeccable comedic timing. In addition, her memorable catchphrase: “Ooooh, I’m gonna tell Mama!” Her deadpan delivery and on-screen chemistry with her co-stars helped What’s Happening!! earn a loyal audience over its three-season run from 1976 to 1979. The series found renewed popularity in syndication. Therefore, introducing Dee to a new generation of fans.

Return to Television and Later Acting Roles

In 1985, Spencer reprised her role in the sequel series What’s Happening Now!!. Thus, appearing in 16 episodes. Meanwhile, she was also attending college. She continued to work sporadically in the entertainment industry over the years. Therefore, making guest appearances on shows such as The Brady Bunch Hour and Days of Our Lives. She even portrayed a veterinarian—a nod to her later career—in the 1997 Oscar-winning film As Good as It Gets, directed by James L. Brooks, and appeared in Peter Rabbit and the Crucifix (2001).

Spencer’s impact on television was formally recognized in 2006 when she won a TV Land Award for “Character Most in Need of a Time-Out” (tying with Little House on the Prairie’s Alison Arngrim). She also shared her personal and professional journey in her memoir, Through the Fire: Journal of a Child Star, which led to appearances on The Wendy Williams Show and Unsung Hollywood.

Health Struggles and Personal Resilience

Spencer’s life was profoundly shaped by a series of devastating health challenges. In 1977, during production of What’s Happening!!’s second season, she was involved in a horrific car accident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. The crash, caused when her family’s car was rear-ended and pushed into oncoming traffic, killed her stepfather Tim Pelt, who shielded her from the impact. Spencer fell into a three-week coma and sustained multiple injuries, including a broken arm, leg, and pelvis. She later underwent six months of physical therapy and had no memory of the crash.

Decades later, lingering effects from the accident contributed to further medical setbacks. In 2004, she was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and experienced partial paralysis for eight months following corrective surgery. In 2014, she faced yet another battle—this time with breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy that year, remaining optimistic despite the shock of the diagnosis.

In 2018, exactly 42 years after the car accident, Spencer experienced severe headaches that led to her losing consciousness. Doctors discovered a bleeding hematoma linked to her old injuries, prompting emergency brain surgery. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help with her medical expenses.

Despite these challenges, Spencer remained resilient. She often credited her struggles with shaping her empathetic approach to veterinary medicine, focusing on treating the root causes of animal health issues rather than just symptoms.

Veterinary Career and Advocacy

Inspired by her stepfather’s love for animals, Spencer decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine after her television career slowed down. She attended the University of California, Davis, before enrolling in Tuskegee University’s Veterinary School, where she graduated in 1996.

She practiced in Santa Clarita, California, before relocating to Richmond, Virginia, in 2014. Known affectionately as “Dr. Dee,” she built a reputation as a compassionate veterinarian and animal rights advocate. Outside of her medical work, she was a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and even launched her own fashion line, “Dani Collection.”

Spencer married marketing manager Garry Fields in 1999, though the couple later divorced in 2013. In 2014, she married entrepreneur David L. David. In interviews, she often reflected on the unpredictability of life, emphasizing the importance of living happily and lightheartedly.

Final Days and Legacy

Danielle Spencer died on Monday, August 11, 2025, from complications related to breast cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones during her final days and is survived by her mother, Cheryl, and her brother, Jeremy. No official autopsy details have been released, but multiple reports confirm her passing was due to cancer-related complications.

In his announcement, Haywood Nelson praised her strength, saying, “She suffered for a very long time but did it with a great deal of courage.” Tributes poured in from fans, former co-stars, and media outlets, remembering her as both a gifted actress and a compassionate doctor.

Tributes and Reactions on Social Media

News of Spencer’s death spread rapidly on X (formerly Twitter) this afternoon (August 12(. Fans shared emotional messages, vintage clips of Dee from What’s Happening!!, and personal stories of meeting her. She was celebrated for her Bronx upbringing and her unique career path from sitcom star to veterinarian. Meanwhile, music journalist Eric Alper praised her as someone who “lived with courage.”

Notable fan tributes included a heartfelt post from @DannyDeraney, which received over 2,600 likes, recalling her “sublime” comedic delivery. Others fondly remembered her banter with “Raj” and her ability to command a scene with just one line. Photos from fans’ personal encounters with Spencer circulated, including one from a Richmond local who called her “Sweet Dee” in a goodbye message.

The overwhelming sentiment on social media highlighted how Spencer’s life story resonated across generations. She wasn’t just remembered for her childhood fame, but also for her perseverance through hardship, her commitment to animal care, and her lasting impact on American television.

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