Remembering Danielle Spencer: Iconic 'What’s Happening!!' Star Dies at 60
SHOCKING TRAGEDY HITS HOLLYWOOD: Beloved Child Star Danielle Spencer Dead at 60
The entertainment world is reeling with the news of the sudden passing of iconic child star Danielle Spencer, best known for her sassy and lovable role as Dee Thomas on the classic sitcom "What's Happening!!" which aired from 1976 to 1979. The talented actress, who was also a devoted animal rights activist and veterinarian, died at the age of 60 after a long battle with breast cancer.
According to sources close to the family, Spencer passed away peacefully on August 11th at a Richmond, Virginia hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Her former co-star Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne Clemens Nelson on the ABC show, took to social media to pay tribute to his dear friend and colleague in an emotional post that has left fans and friends alike heartbroken.
"Brilliance! It comes in a great many forms," Nelson wrote, "and we all have them. We all have this family's - Dr. Danielle Spencer (June 24, 1965 - August 11, 2023). Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior, without fail, has finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body. We celebrate Danielle Spencer and her contributions as we regret to inform her departure and transition from a long battle with cancer."
Spencer's passing is a devastating loss for the entertainment industry, which she left an indelible mark on with her iconic performance as Dee Thomas, the sassy and confident sister of Raj Thomas (Ernest Thomas) and daughter of Mabel (Mabel King). Her signature phrase, "Oooh I'm gonna tell mama!" became a catchphrase that still resonates with fans today.
But Spencer's journey was not without its challenges. In 1977, at the tender age of 12, she was involved in a horrific five-car crash in Malibu that left her stepfather Tim Pelt dead and her own life hanging by a thread. The incident left her with a broken leg, arm, and pelvis, and she spent three weeks in intensive care.
In an interview for her memoir, "Through the Fire … Journal of a Child Star," published in 2010, Spencer revealed the traumatic experience had a lasting impact on her life. "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," she wrote.
The crash also led to a lifelong battle with spinal stenosis, a condition that affects the spinal cord and nerves, which left her partially paralyzed for eight months after surgery. But Spencer refused to let adversity hold her back. She went on to become a veterinarian in 1996, an achievement that not only showcased her compassion for animals but also marked a new chapter in her life.
In 2004, she was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a condition that would require multiple surgeries and years of rehabilitation. But Spencer persevered, even when faced with another devastating diagnosis - breast cancer in 2014. "With everything that I've been through with the spinal cord injury, I know God is not going to give me another affliction," she said in an interview at the time.
In a poignant tribute to her strength and resilience, Spencer was inducted into the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2015 - the first child star to be honored with this distinction.
Spencer is survived by her mother and brother Jeremy, who will undoubtedly miss their loving and devoted family member dearly. Her passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, leaving fans around the world mourning the loss of a beloved icon.
As one fan summed it up: "Danielle Spencer was more than just an actress - she was a true pioneer, a shining star whose light will continue to inspire generations to come."
Rest in peace, Dr. Danielle Spencer. Your legacy lives on.
Sources:
TheScholarlyNote.com