Danielle Spencer — the beloved child actress who won hearts as Dee Thomas, the whip-smart little sister on the 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!” — has died at the age of 60.

Spencer passed away on August 11, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia, following a long and courageous fight with cancer.

A Life Full of Triumphs and Trials

Fans first knew Spencer for her sharp wit and quick comebacks on “What’s Happening!!” and its follow‑up, “What’s Happening Now!!”. But her story was so much bigger than Hollywood.

After her acting days, she followed a different dream: becoming a veterinarian. She earned her doctorate from Tuskegee University in 1993 and spent years caring for animals, also becoming an outspoken advocate for animal rights.

Her life, however, was never without challenges. At just 12 years old, Spencer survived a devastating 1977 car accident that killed her stepfather. She spent three weeks in a coma and lived with ongoing spinal and neurological issues from that day forward. Over the years, she underwent multiple surgeries — including emergency brain surgery in 2018 — all linked to injuries from that crash.

In 2014, Spencer faced another battle: she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy, persevering through yet another health crisis.

Tributes From Friends and Co‑Stars

Haywood Nelson, her longtime friend and “What’s Happening!!” co‑star, remembered her as “a brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior” who made her mark not just as an actress, but as a healer, an advocate, and a cancer survivor who never gave up.

“She’s our Shero,” Nelson said. “Danielle is loved. She will be missed in this form and forever embraced.”

Her Legacy

Spencer was married twice — divorcing her first husband in 2013 before later marrying David L., a New Jersey entrepreneur who stood beside her through her health challenges.

In 2016, her work and cultural impact were celebrated when she was inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

She is remembered not only for breaking ground as one of the few Black child stars of her era, but also for her resilience, kindness, and devotion to animals.

She is survived by her mother and brother.