Danielle Spencer, who portrayed the spunky, annoying little sister Dee on the ‘70s sitcom “What’s Happening” and ‘80s sequel “What’s Happening Now,” passed away on August 11 in Richmond, Virginia, at the age of 60. Her former castmate and longtime friend Haywood Nelson shared the sad news on social media. Spencer’s mother, Cheryl, and brother Jimmy Pelt, a jazz musician, were by her side.
Spencer’s death came after longtime health issues that she experienced for most of her life. During the second season of “What’s Happening,” the actress, at the age of 11, was involved in a severe auto accident in Malibu, CA on the Pacific Coast Highway that killed her stepfather, Timothy Pelt. For many years she was unable to walk; however, she overcame her disabilities and later became a veterinarian. Spencer also battled cancer for many years, becoming an advocate for those affected by the disease until, sadly, succumbing to it. “We have lost a daughter, sister, family member. Our Shero Danielle is loved. She will be missed in this form and forever embraced,” shared Nelson from his IG account…..
Jennifer Hudson departed from an action-packed few days at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival in Massachusetts to jet to Atlanta where the EGOT (Emmy/Grammy/Oscar/Tony) winner celebrated the late Whitney Houston at The Whitney Houston Legacy of Love Gala on August 9 at the St. Regis Hotel. The 9th would have been Houston’s 62nd birthday. The evening was hosted by “Entertainment Tonight”’s Kevin Frazier, and Pat Houston, president of The Whitney Houston Legacy Foundation and executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston…..
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Former First Lady Michelle Obama also chimed in at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival where she spoke onstage during Higher Ground’s IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson podcast. This was recorded on August 9. Former President Barack Obama and Michelle own a home on Martha’s Vineyard….