Danielle Spencer, the former child star widely recognized for her memorable portrayal of Dee Thomas in the 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!,” has passed away at the age of 60. Her death, following what was described as a prolonged battle with cancer, was announced by her co-star Haywood Nelson. Tributes from family and colleagues have highlighted her enduring spirit and profound impact beyond her television career.
Reports indicate Spencer died on Monday, August 11, with her publicist, Sandra Jones, specifying the cause of death as gastric cancer and cardiac arrest. Her co-star, Haywood Nelson, 65, shared the news on Tuesday, August 12, referring to her as “Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior, without fail, has finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body.” Her passing marks the end of a life characterized by early fame, academic achievement, and significant personal challenges.
Danielle Spencer’s journey from a child actress to a respected veterinarian and advocate left an indelible mark on those who knew her and her fans. Her family, in a Facebook statement, remembered her for her “compassion and dedication” and “level of courage and grace that inspired all who knew her.” This article will delve into the remarkable life and career of Danielle Spencer, celebrating her contributions and the legacy she leaves behind.
1. **Early Life and Genesis of an Acting Career** Danielle Louise Spencer was born on June 24, 1965, in the Bronx, New York. She was raised by her mother, Cheryl (Smith) Spencer, a schoolteacher, and her stepfather, Tim Pelt, an actor who co-founded a repertory company. Her introduction to the world of acting began at a remarkably young age, around seven or eight years old, within her stepfather’s theater company. This early exposure fostered a love for the craft that would soon lead her to national recognition.
Before achieving widespread fame, Spencer gained initial experience in Hollywood with uncredited bit parts in notable films. She appeared in “Serpico” in 1973 and “Harry and Tonto” in 1974, providing her with a glimpse into the larger entertainment industry. Her early training and these minor roles laid the groundwork for her eventual breakthrough, preparing her for the unique demands of a television series and a life in the public eye.
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2. **Securing the Iconic Role of Dee Thomas** At just 11 years old, Danielle Spencer landed the role that would define her early career: Dee Thomas on ABC’s “What’s Happening!!” This was a significant achievement, particularly as she initially did not secure the part after her first audition. However, about a month later, she received a call that changed her life, prompting her and her family to move to Los Angeles, a considerable culture shock for a girl from the Bronx.
Spencer’s portrayal of Dee Thomas was that of the sassy, quick-witted, and often meddling younger sister of Roger “Raj” Thomas. The character was known for her directness and inability to hold her tongue, often serving as a comedic foil to her older brother and his friends. Spencer, though not having an older brother in real life, told WTVR that she had a lot of “pent-up sassiness” and saw the role as an excuse to express it. She drew inspiration from her own family dynamics to authentically portray Dee, making the character relatable and memorable.
3. **”What’s Happening!!” and its Cultural Footprint** “What’s Happening!!” first aired on ABC from 1976 to 1979, becoming a significant cultural touchstone. The sitcom was loosely based on Eric Monte’s 1975 film “Cooley High,” and it emerged during a period when Black sitcoms like “Good Times” and “Sanford and Son” were gaining prominence in American culture. The show focused on the lives of three Black teenagers growing up in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, offering a rare and vital representation of young Black experiences on television.
The series ran for three successful seasons, establishing a dedicated fanbase. Alongside Spencer, the cast featured Ernest Thomas as Roger “Raj” Thomas, Haywood Nelson as Dwayne Clemens Nelson, and Fred Berry as Freddie “Rerun” Stubbs. Mabel King played Mabel “Mama” Thomas, and Shirley Hemphill portrayed Shirley Wilson. The show’s honest portrayal of adolescence, friendship, and family dynamics resonated widely, securing its place in television history as one of the first American shows to center on Black teenagers.
4. **Dee Thomas: A Beloved Character and Memorable Catchphrase** Danielle Spencer’s character, Dee Thomas, quickly became a fan favorite due to her sharp wit, deadpan delivery, and no-nonsense approach to family antics. She was particularly known for her iconic catchphrase, “Ooooh, I’m gonna tell Mama!” This line, often delivered with an eye-roll or icy stare, became synonymous with her character and was frequently repeated by fans for years after the show concluded.
Spencer often chuckled about the enduring popularity of the phrase, noting that she had to “act like it’s new every time” when fans would excitedly say it to her. Her performance as Dee was not only entertaining but also groundbreaking. In recognition of her trailblazing role, Spencer was inducted into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2014. This honor highlighted her distinction as the first Black female child to star regularly in a television series, marking her significant contribution to representation in media.
5. **The Traumatic Car Accident of 1977** During the production of the second season of “What’s Happening!!” in September 1977, Danielle Spencer’s life took a dramatic and tragic turn. She and her stepfather, Tim Pelt, were involved in a severe five-car accident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. The crash was devastating, resulting in the death of Pelt, who reportedly tried to shield the young actress from the impact.
Spencer sustained critical injuries in the accident, including a broken right leg, a broken right arm, and a broken pelvis. She was left in a coma for three weeks due to the severity of her injuries. The physical and emotional trauma of this event profoundly impacted her life. She later recounted on “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” in 2016, “I don’t remember the hospital stay. I don’t remember almost that entire period. However, of course, it changed my life.”
6. **Resilience: Recovery and Return to the Show** Despite the life-threatening injuries and the profound loss of her stepfather, Danielle Spencer displayed remarkable resilience. Following the accident, she embarked on a period of intense recovery, which fortunately coincided with the show’s hiatus. She spent the entire summer healing from her extensive injuries, undergoing physical therapy to regain her mobility.
Her determination paid off, and she was able to make a triumphant return to “What’s Happening!!” for its final season. This return showcased her commitment to her craft and her ability to overcome immense personal adversity at such a young age. While she healed sufficiently to resume acting, the crash would unfortunately leave a lasting legacy of health complications that would resurface years later.
