As news broke on Aug. 11 that Danielle Spencer – beloved as Dee Thomas on “What’s Happening!!” – had passed away at age 60, the world mourned not just an actress, but a woman of unwavering spirit and surprising depth
Danielle was always known as Roger’s little sister, the precocious Dee with the unforgettable catchphrase, “Ooooh, I’m gonna tell Mama!” Her quick wit and memorable presence made her a standout on the popular ABC sitcom (1976-79), and even a decade later, fans welcomed her return in the sequel What’s Happening Now!! (1985-88). Yet to her, that role was only the beginning.
Behind the scenes, destiny intertwined ambition and resilience. In 1977, Danielle and her stepfather were involved in a catastrophic car accident; she was left in a three‑week coma, spending months in physical recovery, while tragically losing her stepfather. That trauma shaped her destiny.
Rather than retreat, Danielle charted a new course – toward veterinary medicine. After time at University of California‑Davis, she earned her veterinary degree at Tuskegee University, becoming Dr. Danielle Spencer in 1996.
She practiced medicine for animals for over 25 years, first in California and later in Richmond, Virginia, where she also brought pet‑care insight to local television news audiences.
Her creative spirit endured. In 2011, she published “Through the Fire: Journal of a Child Star,” a memoir recalling her early fame, her accident, and the strength required to endure. The book renewed interest in her life story and led to interviews on programs like “The Wendy Williams Show” and TV One’s “Life After.”
Danielle faced adversity yet again. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, she underwent a double mastectomy. Later, she confronted spinal stenosis and even emergency brain surgery in 2018. Through it all, her former co‑star Haywood Nelson called her a “brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior.”
Recognition followed her courage. In 2014, she became the only former child actor included in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture For all her trials – on-screen and real – she remained a steadfast animal-rights advocate, a healer, a survivor.
But forever, she will be “Roger’s little sister.” That endearing role anchored her in popular culture and in our hearts. Yet to those who knew her life’s arc – from sitcom set to veterinary clinic – Danielle led a journey defined by transformation, resilience, and compassion.
On this day, we say goodbye not only to a child star, but to Dr. Danielle Spencer: actress, author, veterinarian and courageous human. We remember “Dee” with laughter, tears and enduring admiration.