Hollywood is mourning the loss of Danielle Spencer, the actress who stole hearts as Dee Thomas on the classic 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!. She has died at the age of 60 following complications from cancer.
Her Final Moments
Danielle passed away Monday night in a Richmond, Virginia hospital. Her mother, Cheryl, and her brother, jazz musician Jeremy Pelt, were by her side as she took her final breath.
The heartbreaking news was shared by her longtime friend and former co-star Haywood Nelson, best known as Dwayne on the sitcom. Haywood told us he was in Dallas when he got the call no one ever wants to receive.
A Bond Like Family
Haywood remembered Danielle as his “little sister,” a bond forged during their years working side by side on What’s Happening!!. The two last spoke just two weeks ago, and Haywood said she sounded upbeat and optimistic, giving no hint that the end was near.
In an emotional tribute on Instagram, Haywood wrote that Danielle’s journey had been difficult, but she had now “finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body.”
A Life of Resilience
Danielle’s life was marked by strength and perseverance. She survived a serious car accident years ago that left her in a wheelchair for much of her later life. Even while facing physical challenges, she remained dedicated to her passions and purpose.
From TV Star to Veterinarian
What’s Happening!! ran from 1976 to 1979, with Danielle becoming a household name thanks to her sharp wit and sass as Dee Thomas. She later reprised her role in the ’80s spin-off What’s Happening Now!! before stepping away from the spotlight in the 1990s to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Remembering Her Legacy
Fans and friends alike are remembering Danielle not only for her television career, but also for her kindness, intelligence, and determination. To her What’s Happening!! family, she wasn’t just a co-star—she was family.
She leaves behind a legacy that spans decades, from beloved sitcom reruns to the countless animals she helped as a vet.
Rest in peace, Danielle Spencer. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
What’s your favorite Danielle Spencer moment from What’s Happening!!? Share your memories below and celebrate her life with us.
