Danielle Spencer, former child actor known for sitcom ‘What’s Happening!!,’ dies at 60

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60-year-old Danielle Spencer, famously known for her role as the sassy and informative character Dee Thomas in the 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!”, passed away recently.

On Monday, Spencer passed away following her long struggle against cancer, as confirmed by her brother, renowned jazz trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, via Instagram. Throughout her life, Spencer experienced various health complications, such as a bleeding hematoma, among others.

In the eyes of many, she went by ‘Dee,’ but there was so much more to her than just a child actress. She was a cherished companion, an adored aunt to my three kids, she was a daughter, and in many aspects, a best friend to my mother. She was also a skilled veterinarian, someone who always managed to stay optimistic during the toughest times as she battled this disease.

Pelt added: “She was MY sister and protector.”

Haywood Nelson, a costar from “What’s Happening!!”, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that Spencer endured pain for an extended period, yet she displayed remarkable courage throughout.

Spencer gained significant recognition for her role in the television series “What’s Happening!!,” which was broadcast on ABC from 1976 to 1979. This sitcom, set in Watts, focused on a group of three teenagers and included actors such as Ernest Thomas, Fred Berry, Mabel King, and Shirley Hemphill. Spencer played the role of Raj Thomas’ meddlesome younger sister in this production.

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2025-08-12 20:31