Danielle Spencer, the actress who won over audiences in the 1970s with her sharp wit and unforgettable charm as Dee Thomas on the hit sitcom What’s Happening!!, has passed away at the age of 60. She died on August 11, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia, following a lengthy battle with cancer.
A Sitcom Star Who Left a Mark
Spencer first appeared on television in 1976, joining the cast of What’s Happening!! as the smart-mouthed younger sister whose quick comebacks became a signature part of the show. Her role carried into the sequel series What’s Happening Now!!, keeping her connected to fans well into the 1980s. Over the years, her performance and comedic timing made her one of the most memorable young stars of her era.
Life Beyond Hollywood
Born on June 24, 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey, Danielle was raised by her mother, Cheryl Pelt, and her stepfather, Tim Pelt. At the age of 12, she survived a devastating car accident that tragically claimed her stepfather’s life and left her in a coma for several weeks — an event that shaped her resilience for the rest of her life.
After stepping away from acting, Spencer pursued higher education, earning a veterinary degree from Tuskegee University in 1993. She practiced for years in California before later settling in Richmond. Her second career allowed her to combine her love for animals with a desire to help others.
Health Struggles and Strength
Spencer’s life was marked by significant medical challenges. She endured spinal complications linked to her childhood accident, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, and underwent brain surgery in 2018. Despite these hardships, she remained positive and engaged with her fans, often speaking openly about her health journey.
Personal Life
Danielle married marketing professional Garry Fields in 1999, though the couple divorced in 2013. She later married entrepreneur David L. David in 2014. She is survived by her mother, Cheryl Pelt, and her brother, jazz musician Jeremy Pelt.
Physical Stats and Net Worth
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 60 years |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Family | Mother: Cheryl Pelt; Brother: Jeremy Pelt |
| Marital Status | Married to David L. David (2014–2025); Previously married to Garry Fields (1999–2013) |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 million |
Remembering Danielle Spencer
More than just an actress, Danielle Spencer was a survivor, a healer, and an inspiration to those who knew her story. From making millions laugh on primetime television to caring for animals in her veterinary practice, she lived a life defined by talent, compassion, and resilience. Her memory will live on through the joy she brought to her audience and the lives she touched away from the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who was Danielle Spencer?
Danielle Spencer was an American actress best known for playing Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!. She later became a veterinarian.
Q2: How old was Danielle Spencer when she died?
She was 60 years old at the time of her death on August 11, 2025.
Q3: What was the cause of Danielle Spencer’s death?
Danielle Spencer died following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Q4: What other career did Danielle Spencer have besides acting?
After leaving television, she earned a veterinary degree and worked as a practicing veterinarian for many years.
Q5: What was Danielle Spencer’s estimated net worth?
At the time of her passing, her net worth was estimated at around $1 million.
