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Iconic 70s TV Star Danielle Spencer Passes Away at 60!
Wed August 13th, 2025
An iconic figure from 70s television and a dedicated professional, Danielle Spencer, has passed away at the age of 60 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Spencer, best known for her role as the witty and sharp-tongued Dee Thomas on the classic sitcom What's Happening!!, died on Monday in a Richmond, Virginia hospital. Her passing was confirmed by her longtime co-star Haywood Nelson in a touching tribute.
Remembering Dee Thomas: An Icon of 70s TV
For a generation of viewers, Danielle Spencer will forever be remembered as Dee Thomas, the precocious younger sister of the show's protagonist, Roger "Raj" Thomas. From 1976 to 1979, the hit sitcom What's Happening!! captured the hearts of audiences with its hilarious portrayal of three Black teenagers navigating life. Spencer's character, with her quick wit and famous catchphrase, "Ooooh, I'm gonna tell Mama!", became a fan favorite and a staple of pop culture.
Despite a harrowing car accident in 1977 that left her in a coma and tragically killed her stepfather, Spencer showed incredible resilience, returning to the show and later reprising her role in the 1980s sequel, What's Happening Now!!.
A Life of Compassion: From Actress to Veterinarian
Beyond her career as a child star, Danielle Spencer forged a remarkable and compassionate path. After her time in Hollywood, she pursued her passion for animals, earning a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993. For over two decades, she dedicated her life to caring for animals as a practicing veterinarian, a career she credited her stepfather with encouraging. Her journey from television star to animal advocate became a powerful testament to her strength and multifaceted spirit.
Tributes Pour In: Honoring a Life of Resilience
Spencer's death, following a years-long battle with cancer, has led to an outpouring of tributes from former colleagues and fans. Her co-star Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne Nelson, shared a moving post on Instagram, celebrating her as a "brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior." He wrote, "We celebrate Danielle Spencer and her contributions as we regret to inform her departure and transition from a long battle with cancer." Her brother, jazz musician Jeremy Pelt, also shared a heartbreaking post, calling her "my sister and protector."
Danielle Spencer's life was a testament to enduring strength in the face of immense personal and health challenges, including a 2014 breast cancer diagnosis and a 2018 emergency brain surgery. She leaves behind a legacy that is not only defined by her unforgettable role on television but also by her work as a dedicated veterinarian, healer, and inspiration to many.
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