Danielle Spencer, beloved for her role as Dee Thomas on the hit 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!, has died at age 60. Her passing on August 11, 2025, was confirmed by her former co-star Haywood Nelson, who called her “a brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior” after a long battle with cancer.
A Child Star With Lasting Impact
Spencer’s portrayal of Dee — the witty, sharp-tongued younger sister — became one of the show’s most memorable roles during its 1976-1979 run. She later reprised the role in What’s Happening Now!! from 1985 to 1988. Her television appearances also included The Brady Bunch Special, Christmas at Walt Disney World, The Tap Dance Kid, Family Feud, and Soul Train.
Tragedy and Resilience
In 1977, during the show’s second season, Spencer and her stepfather Tim Pelt were involved in a devastating car accident on the Pacific Coast Highway. Pelt died, and Spencer spent three weeks in a coma with multiple serious injuries. She later wrote about the experience in her memoir Through The Fire… Journal of a Child Star.
Her life was marked by further health challenges — spinal stenosis in 2004, a breast cancer diagnosis in 2014, and a brain surgery in 2018 caused by lingering injuries from the 1977 crash.
Life Beyond Hollywood
After stepping away from acting, Spencer pursued her lifelong passion for animals. She earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993 and became an advocate for animal rights and welfare.
Remembering “Dr. Dee”
Haywood Nelson’s tribute described Spencer as “a daughter, sister, family member, cast member, veterinarian, animal rights proponent, healer, and cancer heroine… Our Shero.”
She is remembered not just for her TV legacy, but for her resilience, compassion, and determination to live life fully despite immense challenges.
Danielle Spencer net worth
| Career Path | Contribution to Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Acting | Earnings from What’s Happening!!, its sequel, minor TV/film roles |
| Veterinary Practice | Decades as a practicing veterinarian |
| Authorship | Proceeds from memoir Through the Fire… and sporadic public appearances |
These combined earnings resulted in the $1 million estimate.
Danielle Spencer—the beloved Dee Thomas—had an estimated net worth of $1 million, derived from her acting career, years of service as a veterinarian, and her writing and advocacy.
Is Danielle Spencer paralyzed?
No—they were temporary health-related limitations. She suffered partial paralysis for approximately eight months following surgery for spinal stenosis, but recovered through intensive rehabilitation and regained walking ability.
Danielle Spencer children
No, she did not have any children. Reports on her passing mention her surviving family members, including her mother Cheryl and brother Jeremy, but make no reference to any children or offspring.
What was Danielle Spencer best known for?
Her role as Dee Thomas on What’s Happening!! and its sequel What’s Happening Now!!.
What did Danielle Spencer do after acting?
She became a veterinarian, earning her doctorate from Tuskegee University in 1993.
What health struggles did she face?
She survived a near-fatal car accident, battled spinal stenosis, breast cancer, and later underwent brain surgery.
