August 13, 2025

American actress Danielle Spencer, the charming face of 'What's Happening!!', has sadly passed away at age 60 in Richmond, Virginia. Born on June 24, 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey, Danielle won hearts as Dee Thomas in the popular sitcom 'What's Happening!!' from 1976 to 1979 and later returned to the role in 'What's Happening Now!' from 1985 to 1988. Her career was colorful and diverse. Danielle appeared in movies like 'As Good as It Gets' (1997) and starred in TV shows such as 'The Brady Bunch Variety Hour' (1977) and 'Days of Our Lives' (2001). She even earned a TV Land Award in 2006 for the unforgettable character “Most Desperately in Need of a Timeout.” But the sparkle of her star didn’t stop at acting. Danielle made history as one of the first black female child stars on American TV and later switched gears to become a veterinarian. She earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1993 and cared for animals for nearly 20 years, mostly in Los Angeles and Virginia. She also penned a heartfelt memoir, 'Through the Fire: Journal of a Child Star' in 2010, sharing her fascinating journey from a kid actor to an adult woman facing the world. Her total net worth was around $1 million, gained through her acting, vet career, and writing, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Life was not always easy for Danielle. She fought a tough battle against breast cancer, which led to a double mastectomy over ten years ago, and she also underwent brain surgery in 2018. Her courage shone through every challenge she faced. In 1977, tragedy struck when a severe car accident in Malibu took the life of her stepfather, Tim Pelt, an actor who had helped launch her career. Danielle spent weeks in intensive care but never gave up. Raised by her mother Cheryl, a French teacher, in New York City, Danielle started acting at just 7 years old in a repertory company co-founded by Tim Pelt. Fans adored her for the iconic catchphrase from 'What’s Happening!!': "Oooh, I’m gonna tell Mama!" She is survived by her loving mother Cheryl and her brother Jeremy, a jazz musician. Her former co-star Haywood Nelson commented on her bravery, noting the strength Danielle showed throughout her life. Danielle Spencer's story is one of shining bright, fighting hard, and inspiring all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and loved ones worldwide.

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Tags: Danielle spencer, What's happening!!, Breast cancer, Veterinarian, Child star, Celebrity death,