Danielle Spencer, Star of Classic Sitcom “What’s Happening!!,” Dies at 60 After Long Battle with Illness
Danielle Spencer, the actress fondly remembered for her iconic role as Dee Thomas—the sharp-witted, no-nonsense younger sister on the beloved 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!—has passed away at the age of 60. Her death was confirmed by family spokesperson Sandra Jones, who stated that Spencer died on Monday following a lengthy battle with cancer that spanned several years.
Spencer’s portrayal of Dee became a defining feature of the show, which aired on ABC from 1976 to 1979 and was one of the first network television programs to focus on the everyday lives of African American teenagers. Set in the culturally rich neighborhood of Watts in Los Angeles, the show struck a chord with audiences across the country, thanks in large part to its relatable characters and sharp humor.
What role did Danielle Spencer play
As Dee Thomas, Spencer played the younger sister to Ernest Thomas’s character, Roger “Raj” Thomas. Dee was known for her deadpan delivery, sarcastic comebacks, and ability to outsmart the boys around her, including Raj’s lovable but goofy friends Dwayne Nelson and Freddie “Rerun” Stubbs. Her signature line—“Ooh, I’m gonna tell mama”—quickly became a catchphrase recognized by fans of the show and remains a memorable quote from 1970s television.
Tragically, Spencer’s life was marked by serious medical challenges beginning in her early teens. During the initial production of the show’s first season, she was involved in a devastating car accident at age 12. The crash occurred along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, and resulted in the death of her stepfather, Tim Pelt. Spencer was placed in a coma for approximately three weeks and sustained serious spinal and neurological injuries that would affect her for the rest of her life. The accident led to chronic health issues and required numerous surgeries over the years.
In 2018, Spencer underwent emergency surgery to address a bleeding hematoma that doctors linked to injuries sustained during the 1977 accident. A family spokesperson at the time reported that Spencer had difficulty speaking and needed crutches to walk. Her struggles with mobility dated back at least to 2004, when she temporarily required a wheelchair and had to relearn how to walk. In 2014, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and subsequently underwent a double mastectomy.
Despite her health struggles, Spencer remained active in both the entertainment and medical communities. She reprised her role as Dee in the mid-1980s sequel series What’s Happening Now!!, which ran for three seasons. The continuation of the show introduced a new generation to the characters who had become household names in the previous decade.
Danielle Spencer’s Career in medicine
In addition to her work as an actress, Spencer pursued a successful career in veterinary medicine—a rare transition for someone who had been in the public eye from such a young age. She studied at the University of California, Davis, and UCLA before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University in 1993. Her passion for animal care led her to become not just a veterinarian, but also a public advocate for animal welfare.
Spencer occasionally returned to acting, blending her two worlds in the 1997 Oscar-winning film As Good as It Gets, in which she made a brief appearance as a veterinarian alongside Jack Nicholson.
Danielle Spencer’s legacy spans far beyond her memorable television role. She broke ground as a young Black actress in an era when representation was limited, overcame significant physical challenges with resilience, and went on to impact lives as both an entertainer and a healthcare professional. Her wit, strength, and dedication to service will be remembered by fans, colleagues, and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey.
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