Danielle Spencer, the actress who won hearts as the witty, no-nonsense Dee Thomas on the beloved 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!, has passed away at the age of 60. Her death marks the end of an extraordinary life story—one filled with fame, personal tragedy, resilience, and a remarkable second act as a veterinarian dedicated to helping animals.
Early Life and Breakthrough Role
Born on June 24, 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey, Danielle Louise Spencer moved to Los Angeles at an early age. Her entry into show business came at just eight years old, when she landed the role of Dee Thomas Danielle Spencer, the younger sister with a razor-sharp tongue, in Danielle SpencerWhat’s Happening!! The sitcom, which aired on ABC from 1976 to 1979, was loosely based on the 1975 film Cooley High and quickly became a cultural touchstone in African American television history.
Spencer’s portrayal of Dee was both charming and hilarious. Her catchphrase, “Ooooh, I’m gonna tell Mama!” became one of the most memorable lines in sitcom history. Audiences adored her for bringing sass, wit, and authenticity to the role, and she remained one of the show’s most iconic characters.
The 1977 Tragedy That Changed Everything
In September 1977, during the height of her fame, Spencer’s life took a devastating turn. She and her stepfather, Tim Pelt, Danielle Spencer involved in a near-fatal car accident. Pelt tragically died at the scene, shielding her from the worst of the impact. Danielle suffered severe injuries,Danielle Spencer including a head trauma that left her in a coma for three weeks. Doctors were uncertain if she would fully recover.
After six months of grueling rehabilitation, Spencer amazed her medical team and fans by returning to acting. Her resilience became a defining Danielle Spencer feature of her public image, inspiring many who faced adversity.
Return to Television and Career Shift
In 1985, Spencer reprised her role as Dee Thomas in the sequel series What’s Happening Now!!, which ran until 1988. However, she eventually decided to step away from acting to pursue her lifelong love for animals.
Spencer attended the University of California, Davis, where she studied veterinary medicine before earning her Doctor Danielle Spencer of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Tuskegee University in 1993. She spent decades caring for pets and championing animal rights causes, proving that her talents extended far beyond the television screen.
Health Struggles and Perseverance
Spencer’s later years were marked by multiple health challenges, yet she faced each one with courage:
- In 2004, she was diagnosed with Danielle Spencer spinal stenosis, a condition that led to temporary paralysis.
- In 2014, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.
- In 2018, she required emergency brain surgery to address a hematoma.
Through it all, she continued to inspire her community, sharing her story publicly to encourage others facing similar battles.
Memoir and Legacy
In 2011, Spencer published her memoir, Through the Fire: Journal of a Child Star, detailing her life’s triumphs and struggles. The title reflected her unwavering spirit and determination to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles Danielle Spencer.
In 2014, she was honored as the first child star inducted into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture—a testament to her influence on television and representation in the entertainment industry.
Tributes from Friends and Fans
Following news of her death, tributes poured in from co-stars, fans, and animal advocacy groups. Haywood Nelson, who played her on-screen brother Dwayne, remembered her as a “positive, pragmatic warrior” and a “cancer heroine” who touched countless lives.
Social media was flooded with heartfelt messages from those who grew up watching her on TV and from pet owners who had been blessed to have her care for their animals.
Personal Life
Spencer is survived by her mother, Cheryl Pelt, and her brother, jazz musician Jeremy Pelt. Though she never married or had children, she often spoke of her patients—both human and animal—as part of her extended family.
Final Years and Passing
Spencer’s final years were devoted to her veterinary practice and to mentoring young aspiring veterinarians. She remained an active voice in community health programs and pet adoption initiatives. Her passing on August 12, 2025, leaves a void in both the entertainment and animal care communities.
A Life of Courage and Compassion
Danielle Spencer’s journey is a powerful reminder that a person’s impact is not limited to one chapter of their life. She began as a child star who made America laugh, and she ended as a healer who made the world a kinder place for its animals. Her life story—marked by resilience, reinvention, and compassion—will continue to inspire for generations.