Danielle Spencer, What’s Happening!! Star and Veterinarian, Passes Away at 60 After Cancer Battle

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Danielle Spencer, famously recognized for her role as Dee Thomas in the 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!, sadly passed away at the age of 60. As reported by family representative Sandra Jones, Spencer breathed her last on Monday, August 11, 2025, at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, following a prolonged struggle with cancer.

As reported by ABC News, Spencer gained widespread recognition for portraying Dee Thomas, a sharp-witted and humorous younger sister who frequently dished out dry wit to her brother Roger ‘Raj’ Thomas and friends Dwayne Nelson and Freddie ‘Rerun’ Stubbs. Her signature phrase, “Ooh, I’m going to tell mama,” became a cultural icon.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d like to shed light on a groundbreaking TV show that graced our screens from 1976 to 1979 on ABC. This series, titled “Good Times,” was one I had the pleasure of witnessing and appreciating. It stood out as it delved into the lives of African American teenagers residing in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. The show drew inspiration from the 1975 film “Cooley High.” In essence, this program was a pioneer in its portrayal of diverse characters and communities on television.

Here’s how Danielle Spencer overcame life challenges

Hailing from Trenton, New Jersey, but growing up in New York City, Spencer began her acting career at just nine years old. Her first credited role was on ‘What’s Happening!!’. Tragically, during the show’s initial season, a severe car accident occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, which left Spencer in a coma for three weeks and claimed the life of her stepfather, Tim Pelt. Over the years, she endured extensive spinal and neurological issues that necessitated numerous surgeries due to the accident’s aftermath.

In spite of facing numerous health challenges, Spencer remained determined and worked towards achieving her dreams in veterinary medicine. She completed her education at the University of California, Davis, and UCLA, before being awarded a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993. Subsequently, Spencer embarked on a career as a veterinarian, becoming an advocate for animal rights. On occasion, she returned to acting, with one notable role being that of a veterinarian in the 1997 Jack Nicholson film As Good as It Gets.

Tributes from co-stars and legacy

Haywood Nelson, known for his role as Dwayne on What’s Happening!!, expressed his tribute to Spencer on Instagram, referring to her as “Dr. Dee, our brilliant, compassionate, optimistic, practical fighter.” He continued, “We have lost a beloved daughter, sister, family member, fellow cast member of What’s Happening!!, veterinarian, animal rights advocate, healer, and cancer warrior. Our heroine. Danielle is deeply missed.

Spencer made an appearance in the ’80s revival, What’s Happening Now!!, which spanned over three seasons. She endured a bleeding hematoma in 2018, a complication linked to her car accident in 1977, and has been grappling with mobility problems since at least 2004. In 2014, she underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

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2025-08-13 13:37