Danielle Spencer — Beloved “What’s Happening!!” Star Passes Away at 60 After Cancer Battle

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Danielle Spencer, the actress who stole hearts as Dee Thomas on the classic ’70s sitcom What’s Happening!!. She passed away Monday night at the age of 60 due to complications from cancer.

Her longtime friend and former co-star Haywood Nelson — better known as “Dwayne” from the hit series — shared the heartbreaking news, revealing Danielle died in a Richmond, Virginia hospital surrounded by her mother, Cheryl, and her jazz musician brother, Jeremy Pelt.

Nelson says he always saw Danielle as his “little sister” and spoke to her just two weeks ago when she sounded upbeat. He noted her incredible strength despite health challenges, including a car accident years ago that left her in a wheelchair.

On Instagram, Nelson paid tribute to her courage, saying her battle had taken a toll but she has “finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body.”

Danielle rose to fame on What’s Happening!! from 1976 to 1979, later reprising her role in the ’80s spin-off What’s Happening Now!!. She eventually stepped away from Hollywood in the ’90s to pursue her passion for animals, becoming a veterinarian.

She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and resilience. Rest in peace, Dee.