From 'What's Happening' to Heartache: The Tragic Final Days of Danielle Spencer
RIP Danielle Spencer: Beloved Actress and Veterinarian Dies at 60 After Decades-Long Battle with Cancer
In a shocking turn of events, the entertainment world has been left reeling after the passing of Danielle Spencer, the talented actress who stole our hearts as the sassy Dee Thomas on the classic ABC sitcom "What's Happening!!" back in the late 1970s. Our beloved Shero, as she was affectionately known to her friends and family, may be gone, but her memory will live on forever.
According to a heart-wrenching statement from her former co-star Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne Clemens Nelson on the show, Danielle's passing has left an "unfillable void" in their lives. "We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, 'What's Happening' cast member, veterinarian, animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine," he said, his voice trembling with emotion.
But what exactly led to Danielle's untimely demise? Sources close to the actress revealed that she had been battling breast cancer for years, a diagnosis that was only confirmed in 2014. Her health woes didn't stop there, however - she also suffered from a urinary tract infection that turned septic, forcing her to receive nutrients and medication through tubes in her nose.
In an interview with TMZ (via The Scholarly Note), Danielle's mother Cheryl Pelt shared the heartbreaking details of her daughter's final days. According to Pelt, Spencer was hospitalized on August 1 after being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. Despite the odds being against her, Danielle remained "talking and alert" until Sunday, when she suddenly suffered a code blue and became unresponsive.
Doctors managed to revive her, but unfortunately, it was too late - Danielle's heart had given out due to cardiac arrest, compounded by her ongoing battle with gastric cancer.
But what makes Danielle's story all the more remarkable is her incredible journey from child star to dedicated veterinarian. After leaving acting behind in the 1980s, she pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian, working tirelessly for over two decades in the Los Angeles area.
However, tragedy struck again and again - in 1977, Danielle was involved in a horrific car accident that left her with lasting injuries and even claimed the life of her stepfather, Tim Pelt. The emotional toll of this event would stay with her forever, as she recounted in her 2010 memoir "Through the Fire... Journal of a Child Star."
In an interview for her book (again via TMZ), Danielle opened up about the devastating loss: "I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye to my stepfather, Daddy Tim, whom I loved and who taught me show business as a young child in New York." The trauma would have a lasting impact on her life, leading to years of health struggles that would eventually catch up with her.
But despite all the setbacks, Danielle never gave up. In 1993, she earned her doctorate from Tuskegee University's School of Veterinary Medicine and went on to dedicate herself to caring for animals as a veterinarian in Los Angeles. Her passion and dedication inspired countless lives, cementing her status as a true animal rights advocate.
In the years leading up to her passing, Danielle faced yet another devastating blow - she was diagnosed with breast cancer again in 2014. Just when it seemed like she had finally found a way to overcome her health battles, another complication arose: a bleeding hematoma on her brain, which required emergency surgery just two years ago.
Throughout all the highs and lows of her life, Danielle's personal relationships underwent their fair share of drama as well. In 1999, she tied the knot with marketing manager Garry Fields, but their marriage ended in divorce just 14 years later. Her subsequent relationship with entrepreneur David L. was more low-key, but rumors swirled about a possible romance between them.
As we bid farewell to our beloved Danielle Spencer, let us remember her as a true trailblazer - an actress who turned veterinarian and animal rights proponent, who never gave up on her dreams despite the odds being stacked against her. Rest in peace, Shero. Your legacy will live on forever.