Danielle Spencer, ‘What’s Happening!!’ Star, Dies at 60

LOS ANGELES – Danielle Spencer, the actress who captured hearts as the sharp-tongued and precocious younger sister Dee Thomas on the popular 1970s sitcom "What's Happening!!," has died. She was 60.

Spencer’s death on August 11, 2025, was confirmed by her family in a statement posted to her official Facebook page. Multiple news outlets, including Forbes and CBS affiliates, also reported her passing. A cause of death was not immediately released, though Spencer had publicly battled numerous health issues for decades.

As Dee, Spencer became one of the most recognizable child stars of her era. At just 11 years old, she joined the cast of the ABC show, which chronicled the lives of three Black teenagers in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. Her character was known for her trademark wit, oversized glasses, and the memorable catchphrase, "Ooooohh, I'm tellin' Mama!" Her portrayal offered a comedic yet insightful counterpoint to the antics of her older brother, Raj (played by Ernest Thomas), and his friends.

A Household Name and Cultural Icon

"What's Happening!!," which aired from 1976 to 1979, was a significant series for its time, featuring a predominantly Black cast and bringing nuanced, humorous stories of working-class family life into millions of American homes. Spencer's role was central to the show's appeal. Her impeccable comedic timing and ability to hold her own against her older castmates made her a standout performer.

She was the only member of the original cast to return for the 1980s reboot, "What's Happening Now!!," reprising her role as Dee, who was by then a college student. Her work on the show cemented her place in television history and made her a beloved figure for generations of viewers.

Life Beyond the Spotlight

After her time in Hollywood, Spencer chose a different path, driven by a lifelong passion for animals. She stepped away from acting to pursue higher education, ultimately earning a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993. For over two decades, she worked as a veterinarian in California, a career she often described as her true calling.

"I am so blessed to do what I do," Spencer said in a 2019 interview. "To be able to help animals and the people who love them is a gift."

Her journey, however, was marked by extraordinary challenges. In 1977, at the height of her fame, she and her stepfather, actor Tim Pelt, were in a severe car accident that left her in a coma for three weeks and tragically claimed Pelt's life. The accident resulted in lifelong pain and physical ailments. Years later, in 2004, a diagnosis of spinal stenosis left her partially paralyzed for a time. Through grueling rehabilitation, she managed to walk again.

In 2014, she faced another major health battle when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She spoke openly about her fight, becoming an advocate for early detection and health awareness.

A Legacy of Resilience

Tributes from friends, fans, and former colleagues have poured in, celebrating not only her on-screen talent but also her incredible off-screen strength. Many remember her as a trailblazer for Black actors in television and as a symbol of perseverance in the face of immense personal adversity.

Despite the fame and the hardships, Spencer was often described by those who knew her as grounded, compassionate, and dedicated to her family and her veterinary patients. Her life story is one of dual legacies: that of a cherished television icon and that of a resilient woman who found profound purpose far from the Hollywood soundstages.

Danielle Spencer is survived by her mother, Patricia Pelt, and other family members. Her passing marks the end of an era for fans of classic television and serves as a poignant reminder of a life lived with humor, grace, and remarkable fortitude.