Danielle Spencer, known for her role as Dee Thomas on the classic 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!” has passed away. She passed on August 11, just shy of her 61st birthday. The actress succumbed to complications from gastric cancer and cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy that resonated with many fans across generations.
Spencer gained fame as the younger sister of the show’s main characters, appearing in a total of 65 episodes of “What’s Happening!!” and its sequel, “What’s Happening Now!,” where she starred in 16 episodes. Her performance as Dee was unforgettable. It played an important role in countering the stereotypical representation of African American families dominating television during that time.
Spencer, born in 1963, Her late stepfather and manager, Tim Pelt, was the one who got her into acting and helped develop her career in its infancy. Sadly, Pelt was killed in an automobile accident in 1977, a loss that struck Spencer to the core. Despite these challenges, she continued to pursue her passion for acting and later earned a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine in 1993.
In 2014, Spencer took the leap and relocated from California to the Richmond, Virginia region. At the time of her death, she was residing with her mother, Cheryl Pelt. Though Spencer had fought breast cancer herself, she was still a beacon of light and encouragement to her family and friends.
Her legendary contributions to television were honored at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. They celebrated her status as TV’s first Black female lead in “What’s Happening!!” Reflecting on that honor, Spencer once said,
“I mean, first of all, that the show is remembered from 40 years ago, but then also to be featured in this museum along with other shows that have been trailblazers.” – Danielle Spencer
Spencer’s brother, jazz musician Jeremy Pelt, had this to say in the immediate wake of her passing. Personally and politically, I liked how in this film she claimed her multifaceted identity beyond being an actress. He stated,
“Many of you knew her as ‘Dee,’ but she was more than a child actress.” – Jeremy Pelt
He went on to explain their deep bond and how she changed his family’s life.
“She was a friend, an auntie to my three children who adored her, she was a daughter- and in many ways, my mother’s best friend, she was a veterinarian, she was someone who always remained positive even during her darkest days fighting this disease,” – Jeremy Pelt
So at only 9 years old, Spencer was just given the most thrilling news. She had just won the lead role of Dee! Yvonne later described that encounter with the ALC rider as a life-altering experience.
“And she was MY sister and protector.” – Jeremy Pelt
At just nine years old, Spencer received the transformative call informing her that she had won the role of Dee. She recalled that moment as a life-changing experience.
“A month later I got a phone call, and they said, ‘Fly out to California. You have the role.’ And it was just like my life changed.” – Danielle Spencer
