Danielle Spencer, Beloved ‘What’s Happening!!’ Star, Dies at 60
The actress, who played Dee Thomas, passed away in Richmond, Virginia
Danielle Spencer, best known for her role as Dee Thomas on the classic 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!, has died at the age of 60. Her brother, jazz musician Jeremy Pelt, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Monday. Spencer passed away in a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, after battling serious health issues in recent years.
Her passing marks the end of a remarkable life filled with creativity, resilience, and service—not only as a beloved child star but also as a dedicated veterinarian and author.
A Childhood in the Spotlight
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1965, Danielle Spencer began her journey in the entertainment world at a young age. After her family moved to New York City, she caught the acting bug early. At just 11 years old, she landed the role of Dee Thomas on What’s Happening!!, a sitcom that aired on ABC from 1976 to 1979.
Her sharp tongue, sassy wit, and memorable one-liners quickly made her a fan favorite. Dee Thomas was the younger sister of Raj Thomas (played by Ernest Thomas), and her quick comebacks made her one of the most quoted characters on the show.
The sitcom, inspired by the 1975 film Cooley High, became a cultural landmark. It brought Black family life into the homes of millions of Americans and remains a beloved part of TV history. Danielle’s performance contributed greatly to that success.
Life After ‘What’s Happening!!’
After What’s Happening!! ended, Spencer stepped away from the spotlight for a while. She moved with her family to the Ivory Coast, giving her a new perspective on life beyond Hollywood.
Later, she returned to the United States and shifted her focus toward education. She pursued veterinary science at the University of California, Davis, and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University in 1993.
For more than 20 years, Spencer built a successful veterinary practice in Los Angeles. Her compassion and care extended from pets to their owners, earning her respect in the veterinary field just as she had on television.
A Return to the Screen
Although Spencer focused on her medical career, she never completely left the world of entertainment. Over the years, she made several television appearances, including roles in Days of Our Lives and the 1997 film As Good as It Gets, starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt.
In 2010, she published a memoir titled Through the Fire… Journal of a Child Star. The book offered an honest and inspiring look at her journey from fame to everyday life and reignited public interest in her story. Readers praised her courage and openness, especially as she spoke about personal challenges and triumphs.
Health Struggles and Resilience
Spencer’s later years were marked by health difficulties. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent a double mastectomy, and faced multiple surgeries. Despite the hardships, she remained strong and optimistic.
She also used her platform to raise awareness about health issues, especially among Black women. Her openness inspired many others going through similar battles.
Danielle’s strength in the face of adversity showed that she was much more than a childhood TV star—she was a survivor, a role model, and a fighter.
A Lasting Legacy
In 2014, Danielle Spencer was inducted into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Her contribution to American pop culture and representation on television was formally recognized, honoring the lasting impact of her work.
She also continued to share her love for animals through a local pet care segment on WTVR-TV, a Richmond news station. Her passion for animals and community outreach remained strong until her final years.
Remembering Danielle Spencer
Danielle Spencer is survived by her mother, Cheryl Pelt, and her brother, Jeremy Pelt. She leaves behind a legacy that spans decades—across television, medicine, and public service.
Fans, former co-stars, and the entertainment community have already begun sharing tributes and memories online. Many remember her iconic delivery of the line, “Ooooh, I’m tellin’ Mama!”—a catchphrase that continues to echo in pop culture.
A Trailblazer On and Off Screen
Danielle Spencer’s life story is one of transformation. From a bright, bold child actor to a compassionate medical professional, her journey broke stereotypes and paved the way for others.
Her work on What’s Happening!! opened doors for young Black actors. Her later success as a veterinarian reminded us all that reinvention is possible, even after early fame.
Though she is gone, her spirit lives on through the laughter she brought to millions and the lives she touched in her second career.