Dr. Danielle Spencer, best known for her role as Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!, has died at age 60. Her passing was announced on social media by her longtime friend and co-star Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne Nelson on the series.
According to Nelson’s post, Spencer died Monday following a “long battle with cancer.” While she will be fondly remembered for her work on What’s Happening!! and its 1980s sequel What’s Happening Now!!, Spencer went on to build a career as a veterinarian, dedicating her life to caring for animals.
“We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, What’s Happening cast member, veterinarian, animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine,” Nelson wrote. “Our Shero. Danielle is loved. She will be missed in this form and forever embraced.”
In a 1985 interview with the AmNews, while she was in college majoring in pre-veterinary medicine, Spencer discussed her passion for her work.
“I’ve always had a knack for caring for animals and I’ve always been interested in chemistry, bacteriology and about the body,” she said.
What’s Happening!! aired on ABC for three seasons from 1976 to 1979, following three Black teenage friends—Raj (Ernest Lee Thomas), Dwayne (Nelson), and Freddy “Rerun” Stubbs (Fred Berry)—growing up in Los Angeles. Spencer played Dee, Raj’s quick-witted younger sister. The sequel series, What’s Happening Now!!, ran from 1985 to 1988, with the original cast reprising their roles as adults.
Additional reporting by Siddeeq Fortner
We all come into this world to make our mark upon this earth. Some stay long and some leave early.Many are exceptional and their light will shine on forever. Danielle Spencer ‘s light will shine on forever as she joins the ancestors.
To the family of DANIELLE SPENCER. I DO FEEL THE PAIN OF A LOVE ONE I LOST MY MOTHER 👩 SIX MONTHS AGO & IT STILL HURTS I JUST GET IN MY ROOM & LOOK AT THE PICTURES TO ME SHE IS NOT GONE SHE JUST SLEEPING .SHE LIVES ON IN MY HEART. I AM SORT TO HERE ABOUT THE LOST OF YOUR LOVE ONE YOU DO HAVE MY CONDOLENCES I LOVED TO WATCH HER ON TELEVISION I ALWAYS HURRY HOME TO SEE HER ON WHAT’S HAPPENING SHE TELL EVEYTHING I JUST PRAYER THAT SHE GAVE HER LIVE TO THE LORD BEFORE SHE LEFT HERE I DO PRAYER THAT WE ALL WILL BE READY WHEN OUR DAY COME. I BE PRAYING FOR USE JUST LET ME KNOW SO I’LL CAN TAKE THAT DAY OF. IHOPE IT WILL BE LIVE SO ALL HER FANS CAN SEE IT.
My condolences to the family of Dr Danielle Spencer for her passing away. She was a wonderful pretty beautiful actress and a great veterinarian. We will miss her very much. God bless all
My condolences to her family and friends Rest up above Ms Spencer,I will forever remember your famous phrase, I’m a tell moma.Thank you for making us all laugh.
Continue to rip sip rih Dee surely will be missed thank you for the laughs
Rest in peace Dee from what’s happening show I loved your acting in so sorry you died so young
She made me laugh when she said you were in trouble Roger so sad so sad I grew up watching what’s happening she was so funny they all were I missed that I have tears in my eyes right now 😭
Sorry to see her go. A great talent.
RIP Dr. Spencer “Dee” you are not suffering anymore 😢 Hope and prayer for the Friends and Family. ❤️🙏🏻🕊
Mrs Dee you always make laugh telling on Roger you will be missed my condolences and prayers goes out to families Ramona
I watched What’s Happening as a little girl. I enjoyed watching Dee catch Raj and the crew in mischief. She was always one step ahead of them. Rest in peace Dee. You will be missed.
Wow, I’m in such shock. Seems like every day we are losing such young talented people. Rest In Paradise ♡♡
We send our prayers and condolences to the family.
It is so impressive that instead of trying to live off a TV catchphrase, she grew up and seamlessly transitioned to a professional life in veterinary medicine. I think of her often in that context. May she rest in peace.
My sister Debi and U grew up watching the television sitcom “Ehats Happening”. The show was well written with exceptional young talent. Dee(zRaj sister) was quite talented. She perfected the comedic talent at the early age of eleven. It was commendable that she became a Veterinarian, using her skills to care for animals. We love you Dr. Danielle Spencer(aka Dee Thomas). We will always remember you. You have earned your wings. My condolences to your family, friends cast mates of the television sitcom “What’s Happening” and your friends. Your legacy will continue!
I actually cried. Dee was the sweetest, smartest, feistiness, funniest little sister, I never had. Rest in peace my dear. I hope our Lord is your Savior.
What an inspiration she was to many, me included. I eagerly watched for her witty and sassy come back remarks on the show. When I learned of her becoming a veterinarian, I was inspired to continue to follow my passion too. May God bless her and her family🩷
Rest in peace. You brought joy into the hearts of many. Including me. Thank you, Danielle.
May you Rest In Peace Dee, to me you were the hit of the show, to your family my condolences and God be with you always
Thank you
Dr D
For the memories, your wit and humor.
You will be so missed.
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️