Danielle Spencer, child star from ‘What’s Happening!!,’ dead at 60
NY Post
Danielle Spencer, the former child star best known for her role in “What’s Happening!!,” has died following a lengthy cancer battle. She was 60.
Spencer’s death was announced by her co-star Haywood Nelson Tuesday.
“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),” Nelson, 65, wrote.
“Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior, without fail, has finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body,” the actor continued. “We celebrate Danielle Spencer and her contributions as we regret to inform her departure and transition from a long battle with cancer.”
Nelson’s statement added, “We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, ‘What’s Happening’ cast member, veterinarian, animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine. Our Shero. Danielle is loved. She will be missed in this form and forever embraced.”
Spencer played Dee Thomas, the sassy younger sister of the Thomas family, on “What’s Happening!!” The series, which was loosely based on the 1975 film “Cooley High,” aired on ABC from 1976 to 1979.
