Spencer became a veterinarian after retiring from acting in the late 1980s and later wrote a well-regarded memoir about her experiences
Danielle Spencer, the former child actress best known for her role as sassy tween Dee Thomas on the groundbreaking sitcom “What’s Happening!!,” died Monday after battling cancer for several years. She was 60.
The news was made public by her friend and former co-star, actor Haywood Nelson, who wrote on Instagram, “Brilliance! It comes in a great many forms. We all have them and we all have this family’s – Dr. Danielle Spencer (June 24, 1965 – August 11, 2025). Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior, without fail, has finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body. We celebrate Danielle Spencer and her contributions as we regret to inform her departure and transition from a long battle with cancer.”
“We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, ‘What’s Happening’ cast member, veterinarian animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine.
