RICHMOND, Va. — Danielle Spencer, the actress who won the hearts of television audiences in the 1970s as the witty teenager “Dee Thomas” on the hit sitcom What’s Happening!! and later its spinoff What’s Happening Now!!, passed away Monday at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. She was 60.
Rising Star of Television
Spencer became a household name through her portrayal of “Dee,” the sharp-tongued younger sister with a knack for delivering memorable one-liners, including her iconic catchphrase: “Ooohh, I’m tellin’ Mama!” Her performance resonated with audiences and earned her the 2006 TV Land Award for “Character Most Desperately in Need of a Timeout.”
Beyond What’s Happening!!, Spencer appeared on shows such as Soul Train, Days of Our Lives, and The Brady Bunch Special, broadening her impact on television and pop culture.
Ties to Newburgh, New York
Though born in North Carolina, Spencer had a special connection to Newburgh, New York. She first visited the city while attending Davis University and filming What’s Happening Now!! During that time, she was honored by the Community Theater Group, led by Billie McClearn, alongside Derek Wilson and the late Reverend Sylvester McClearn. Her visits left a lasting impression on local residents who admired her both as an actress and as a role model.
A Life of Resilience
Spencer’s life was marked by both extraordinary accomplishments and profound challenges. In 1977, she survived a tragic car accident that took the life of her stepfather and left her in a coma for three weeks. Though she recovered, the injuries from that crash resurfaced decades later, briefly confining her to a wheelchair. Through determination and rigorous therapy, she regained her mobility, inspiring many with her resilience.
Her battle with health struggles continued into adulthood. In 2014, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. True to her spirit, Spencer fought the disease with courage and emerged a survivor, using her story to encourage others facing similar battles.
Pursuit of a Lifelong Dream
While her acting career brought her fame, Spencer followed another passion: caring for animals. She enrolled at Tuskegee University, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1993. She went on to dedicate much of her adult life to veterinary practice, fulfilling a dream she had nurtured since childhood.
In 2011, she published her memoir, Through the Fire… Journal of a Child Star, offering an intimate look at her personal journey, her challenges, and the lessons she carried through her varied careers.
Cultural Contributions and Legacy
Spencer’s impact went beyond entertainment and veterinary medicine. She launched the “Forever Danielle” candle line and inspired young girls through a veterinarian doll created in her likeness — blending her identity as both actress and animal doctor.
Her place in history was solidified when she was inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture as the youngest African American female child star on a television sitcom.
A Lasting Inspiration
Danielle Spencer’s life reflected artistry, compassion, perseverance, and courage. From making millions laugh as Dee Thomas to healing animals as a veterinarian, and from surviving personal tragedy to inspiring cancer survivors, she embodied resilience at every stage of her journey.
Her legacy will continue to shine brightly — not just through her memorable television performances, but also through the lives she touched as a healer, author, and role model.
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