Danielle Spencer, Star of 'What's Happening!!', Passes Away at 60

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Danielle Spencer, known for her role as Dee Thomas, the witty and sharp-tongued younger sister in the classic 1970s sitcom "What's Happening!!," has passed away at the age of 60. Her death occurred on Monday at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, following a prolonged struggle with cancer, according to family spokesperson Sandra Jones.

In her portrayal of Dee, Spencer was recognized for her intelligence and her deadpan humor, often delivering memorable lines aimed at her older brother, Roger "Raj" Thomas, and his friends, Dwayne Nelson and Freddie "Rerun" Stubbs. One of her iconic catchphrases, "Ooh, I'm gonna tell mama," captured her character's distinct personality. The show, which aired on ABC from 1976 until 1979, was groundbreaking for its representation of Black teenagers in Los Angeles and was inspired by the film "Cooley High." Its legacy endures through its beloved characters, including the quirky Raj, the catchphrase-loving Dwayne, the charismatic Rerun, and Dee with her signature eyerolls and icy stares.

Tragically, early during the first season of the show, Spencer was involved in a severe car accident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. The accident left her in a coma for three weeks and resulted in the death of her stepfather, Tim Pelt. Following the incident, Spencer faced numerous health challenges, including spinal and neurological issues that necessitated multiple surgeries.

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, and raised in New York, Spencer began her acting career at the age of nine, with "What's Happening!!" being her first credited role. Reflecting on her sudden rise to fame, she once expressed that she had not seen young Black girls represented in such a prominent way in the media, and thus lacked a reference point for handling her newfound celebrity.

Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne on the show, shared his tribute, describing Spencer as a "brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior." He noted the significant loss felt by those who knew her, highlighting her roles as a family member, a cast member of "What's Happening," and a champion for animal rights.

Spencer also participated in a reboot of the series titled "What's Happening Now!!" during the mid-1980s, which aired for three seasons. In 2018, she underwent emergency surgery due to complications from her earlier car accident, affecting her ability to speak and walk. Since 2004, she had been dealing with significant mobility issues, at times relying on a wheelchair and needing to relearn how to walk. In 2014, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, leading to a double mastectomy. Despite these challenges, she pursued a career in veterinary medicine, earning her doctorate from Tuskegee University in 1993.

In her later years, Spencer made occasional acting appearances, including a role as a veterinarian in the acclaimed 1997 film "As Good as it Gets." She is survived by her brother, musician Jeremy Pelt, and her mother, Cheryl Pelt.