'Danielle Spencer, famed from the show "What's Happening", passed away at the age of 60'
In a sad turn of events, Danielle Spencer, best known for her role as Dee Thomas on the iconic ABC sitcom What's Happening!!, has passed away on August 11, 2025, at the age of 60. Spencer's death was announced on Instagram by her friend and co-star, Haywood Nelson.
Spencer's journey in the entertainment industry began around the age of 9, with her first credited role in the groundbreaking sitcom What's Happening!!, set in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts. This show, based on the movie "Cooley High" and running from 1976 to 1979, was one of the first television shows to focus on the lives of Black teenagers.
After What's Happening!!, Spencer's career continued to thrive, with appearances in the sequel and a role as a veterinarian in the movie As Good As It Gets, as well as a guest appearance on The Brady Bunch Hour Variety Show. However, a significant turning point in her life came when she decided to shift her focus from acting to veterinary medicine and animal advocacy.
This career shift was influenced by personal experiences. In 1977, Spencer was involved in a major car accident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, during the early production of the show's first season. The accident left her in a coma for three weeks and claimed the life of her stepfather, Tim Pelt. The aftermath of this accident led to spinal and neurological problems that required multiple surgeries in the years that followed.
Despite these challenges, Spencer persevered. She attended the University of California, Davis, and UCLA, and eventually earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993. From then on, she dedicated her life to the care and welfare of animals.
In 2014, Spencer was diagnosed with breast cancer. She bravely underwent a double mastectomy and continued to fight the disease until her passing.
Spencer's co-stars from What's Happening!!, including Haywood Nelson and Ernest Lee Thomas, expressed their deep sorrow at her passing, noting her positive impact and contributions, both during and after her acting career. Spencer is survived by her mother, Cheryl Pelt, and her brother, musician Jeremy Pelt.
In the immediate aftermath of her passing, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike, celebrating Spencer's life and the legacy she leaves behind. Danielle Spencer will be remembered not only for her acting prowess but also for her dedication to animal welfare and her resilience in the face of adversity.
Celebrities and fans alike mourned the loss of Danielle Spencer, a beloved actress best known for her role on the iconic sitcom What's Happening!!, who passed away on August 11, 2025. Her departure left a gap in the entertainment industry, as she was once a regular face on various shows and movies, including As Good As It Gets and The Brady Bunch Hour Variety Show.
