"Danielle Spencer, known from 'What's Happening!!', passes away at the age of 60"
Danielle Spencer, best known for her role as Dee Thomas in the 1970s sitcom What's Happening!!, has passed away at the age of 60.
Spencer's acting career began at the tender age of 9, when she got a call that she had won the role of Dee, the younger sister of the boys in the show. She starred in 65 episodes of the original series, which ran from 1976 to 1979, and continued her role in the show's sequel, What's Happening Now!!, appearing in 16 episodes from 1985 to 1988.
After the shows ended, Spencer pursued a significant career change. She earned a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University Veterinary School in 1993 and became a practicing veterinarian in 1996. She made occasional acting appearances afterward, such as a role in the 1997 film As Good As It Gets and others in the early 2000s.
In recent years, Spencer moved from California to the Richmond, Virginia area, where she lived with her mother. She battled cancer and other health issues for many years before passing away on August 11, 2021.
Spencer's legacy extends beyond her acting career. She was remembered not only as an actress but also as a veterinarian and a positive presence who faced her illness with courage. Her stepfather, who brought her into the world of acting, played a significant role in her life, inspiring her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine after a tragic car accident in 1977 that took his life.
Jeremy Pelt, Spencer's brother, was thankful to be with his sister when she took her last breath. He shared a tribute to his sister on Instagram, referring to her as a friend, an auntie, his mother's best friend, a veterinarian, and someone who remained positive during her battle with cancer.
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In her later years, Spencer's life essays moved from the big screen to the real world, becoming a celebrated veterinarian and a beacon of positivity in the face of adversity. Her impact transcended the realm of pop-culture, making headlines as a celebrities' champion of animal welfare.[1] (article on health issues and career change) [2] (tribute post about her as a veterinarian) [3] (article about her life and achievements) [4] (article on her passing and legacy)
