Dr. Daniel Spencer, who starred in ABC’s 1970s show What’s Happening!!, has passed away at the age of 60, as confirmed by her brother and co-star Jeremy Pelt.
In an emotional Instagram post, Pelt shared, “I lost most of myself. Years later, my sister, Dr. Daniel Louise Spencer, lost her battle with cancer. Many of you knew her as ‘Dee,’ but she was so much more than just a child actress.”
Pelt reflected on Spencer’s life, saying, “She was a friend, a beloved aunt to my three children, a daughter, and my mother’s best friend. Throughout her darkest days, battling this illness, she remained positive.”
He described Spencer as his “guardian,” noting their strong bond despite the distance over the years. “We always felt connected, even without contact.”
Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne in What’s Happening!!, paid tribute on Instagram, stating, “Our beloved warrior, Dr. Dee, has finally found her peace away from this world.”
“We celebrate Daniel Spencer’s contributions and mourn her passing after a long fight with cancer,” he continued. “We lost our daughters, our sisters, and family. She was not only a cast member; she was an advocate for animal rights and a healer.” Nelson reiterated, “Daniel is loved and will be cherished forever.”
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Spencer passed away in a hospital in Richmond, Virginia. She was well-known for her role as Dee Thomas throughout the show’s run and in its sequel, What’s Happening Now!!. After the show ended, she attended UC Davis and UCLA and later achieved a Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University.
In 1977, Spencer survived a serious car accident in Malibu, drawing significant attention in the media.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy in 2014 and 2018. Later, she had emergency surgery due to brain bleeding.
Beyond What’s Happening!!, Spencer’s acting credits included the 1997 film As Good as It Gets, episodes of the drama The Days of Our Lives, and the 2001 short story Peter Rabbit and the Cross, according to her IMDB page.
