Danielle Spencer, Beloved ‘What’s Happening!!’ Star and Veterinarian, Dies at 60

Danielle Spencer, Beloved ‘What’s Happening!!’ Star and Veterinarian, Dies at 60

Author: Zamal Uddin

Richmond, Virginia – Danielle Spencer, the talented actress who brought the witty and lovable character Dee Thomas to life in the 1970s hit sitcom What’s Happening!!, has died at the age of 60.
Her co-star Haywood Nelson confirmed that she passed away on Monday in a Richmond hospital after a long battle with health complications.

Danielle Spencer’s Illness and Courage

Spencer had faced numerous health challenges in recent years, including a breast cancer diagnosis in 2014 that led to a double mastectomy. In 2018, she underwent emergency brain surgery to stop severe bleeding. Despite her struggles, Nelson said, “She suffered for a very long time but did it with great courage.”

Rising to Fame in ‘What’s Happening!!’

The sitcom, inspired by the 1975 film Cooley High, premiered in 1976 and ran for three seasons. Spencer’s portrayal of Dee Thomas, the sharp-tongued younger sister of Roger “Raj” Thomas (played by Ernest Thomas), made her a fan favorite. Her iconic catchphrase, “Ooooh, I’m gonna tell Mama!”, became one of the show’s most memorable lines.
She later reprised her role in the sequel series What’s Happening Now! (1985–1988).

Life Before and After Acting

Born June 24, 1965 in New York City, Spencer began acting at age 7. She appeared in small roles in films like Serpico (1973) and Harry and Tonto (1974) before landing her big break on What’s Happening!! at age 11.
Her career took a dramatic turn in 1977 when she was involved in a tragic car accident that killed her stepfather and left her seriously injured.

After the sitcom ended, Spencer moved with her family to the Ivory Coast, later returning to the U.S. to pursue higher education. She attended UC Davis, UCLA, and eventually earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993.

Passion for Animals

Spencer worked for over 20 years as a veterinarian in Los Angeles before relocating to Richmond in 2014. She became known for her pet care advice segment on CBS affiliate WTVR-TV. In 2014, she was honored with induction into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Legacy and Inspiration

Beyond her work as an African-American actress and veterinarian, Spencer’s life was a story of resilience. In a 2016 interview, she encouraged others to live with joy: “Be lighthearted and be happy while you’re here, because you never know when that time is going to end.”

Danielle Spencer leaves behind her mother, Cheryl, and her brother, Jeremy, a jazz musician. Her impact on television and the veterinary field will be remembered for generations.

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