Who was Danielle Spencer, child star of the '70s sitcom, who passed away at 60?
Danielle Spencer
, who played Dee Thomas on the hit 1970s sitcom
What's Happening!!
, died at age 60 after a long fight with cancer. Besides her work on TV, she built a respected career as a
veterinarian
, spending decades caring for and speaking up for animals.
Finance
Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4
By CA Himanshu Jain
View Program
Artificial Intelligence
AI For Business Professionals Batch 2
By Ansh Mehra
View Program
Finance
Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3
By CA Himanshu Jain
View Program
Artificial Intelligence
AI For Business Professionals
By Vaibhav Sisinity
View Program
Finance
Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2
By CA Himanshu Jain
View Program
Finance
Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1
By CA Himanshu Jain
View Program
She overcame personal tragedy, serious injuries, and health problems to live a life dedicated to helping animals and inspiring her fans with her strength and determination, as per a report by Forbes.
How did Danielle Spencer become famous?
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Danielle Spencer was born in the Bronx, New York, on June 24, 1965. She was cast as Dee Thomas, the smart and funny younger sister on ABC's What's Happening!! when she was only 11 years old. The sitcom, which ran from 1976 to 1979, was loosely based on the movie Cooley High. It followed three Black teenage friends as they dealt with life in Los Angeles. Spencer's sharp, sassy, and lovable portrayal of Dee quickly made her a fan favorite, as per a report by Amsterdam News.
ALSO READ:
Taylor Swift new album release date: When are the new playlists coming out - here are key details
Live Events
The show came back in the middle of the 1980s as What's Happening Now!!, and Spencer played Dee again, this time as a college student. She was on the sequel until it ended in 1988, which made her a part of television history.
What problems did she have to deal with outside of the spotlight?
Spencer's journey was not easy. During the second season of the show, on September 6, 1977, she was in a terrible car accident that put her in a coma for three weeks and killed her stepfather, Tim Pelt. It took her six months to get better, but she was determined to get back to acting, as per a report by Amsterdam News.
ALSO READ:
iPhone 17 set to break records, and your wallet, in shocking US price hike
Years later, she had more health problems. She had partial paralysis from spinal stenosis, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and beat it with chemotherapy, and had to have emergency brain surgery in 2018 to remove a hematoma that was connected to her earlier accident. Through it all, she stayed strong and positive, which inspired both her fans and friends.
How did she go from being a TV star to a vet?
Many child stars had a hard time finding a new identity, but Spencer took a completely different path. Her late stepfather pushed her to become a veterinarian. She first took pre-veterinary courses at the University of California, Davis, and then graduated from Tuskegee University Veterinary School in 1996, as per a report by Amsterdam News.
From a young age, it was clear that she loved animals. "I've always been good at taking care of animals and been curious about how the body works," she said in an interview in 1985. She worked as a veterinarian for almost 30 years, becoming a well-known figure in animal care and a supporter of animal rights.
A legacy of kindness and strength
Haywood Nelson, Spencer's friend and former co-star on What's Happening!!, confirmed her death. He played Dwayne Nelson on the show. He called her "our Shero" and praised her as a loving, smart, and practical warrior in a touching tribute.
Danielle Spencer's life showed both determination and kindness, from being a
child star
to healing animals. Her work, her advocacy, and the happiness she brought to people and pets will live on in her memory.
FAQs
What was the cause of death for Danielle Spencer?
She died at 60 years old after a long battle with cancer.
What did Danielle Spencer do after acting?
She became a veterinarian in 1996, focusing her career on animal care and advocacy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Xbox-owned Ninja Theory brings free Hellblade upgrade to PlayStation 5
Sony PlayStation 5 gamers can now download an upgraded version of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice on their consoles. The new edition brings next-gen visuals and gameplay improvements. For those who already own the PS4 version, the upgrade is free to claim via the PlayStation Store. Gamers who don't own the title can buy the native PS5 edition separately for $29.99. A bundle featuring both the original game and its follow-up is also available for $69.99. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice comes to PS5 First released in 2017, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice follows Senua, a Pict warrior, on her journey through a dark world filled with myth and hallucinations. The game was praised for its storytelling, visuals, and emotional depth, becoming one of the most acclaimed single-player experiences of the PS4 generation. Developed by Ninja Theory , the game was created by a small team of around 20 people. Despite the studio's later acquisition by Xbox , Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice remains a landmark achievement for the developer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Gameplay of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a third-person action-adventure game that blends combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving with a heavy focus on storytelling. Players follow Senua, a Celtic warrior, as she journeys into a haunting underworld inspired by Norse mythology to rescue the soul of her dead lover. The game features melee combat where players use a mix of light and heavy attacks, dodges, and blocks to fight enemies. Battles are intense but deliberately paced, often against multiple foes at once. There are no traditional health bars or HUD elements on screen, keeping the focus on immersion. Exploration often involves solving environmental puzzles. Many of these require players to align runes or symbols in the environment, making use of perspective and observation to progress further into the world. A standout part of the gameplay is its portrayal of Senua's psychosis. Players hear constant voices, known as 'Furies,' in binaural audio. These voices guide, distract, or unsettle the player, simulating Senua's struggle with mental health and adding tension to every part of the game. Nvidia H20 Chips for China: What's Really Going On?
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Teaser of Devi Chowdhurani unveiled: An epic tale of rebellion and courage
The teaser for Subhrajit Mitra's Devi Chowdhurani is out. The film is based on Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic. Prosenjit Chatterjee plays Bhavani Charan Pathak. Srabanti Chatterjee stars as Devi Chowdhurani. The movie showcases resistance and rebellion. Subhrajit calls it a commercial classic. Prosenjit finds playing Bhavani Pathak fulfilling. The film features Sabyasachi Chakrabarty and Arjun Chakrabarty. The teaser of Devi Chowdhurani , directed by filmmaker Subhrajit Mitra , was unveiled recently, sparking excitement among cine lovers. Based on Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's timeless classic, the film brings alive the saga of resistance, justice and rebellion against oppression. The teaser offers a glimpse into a grand cinematic spectacle — sweeping landscapes, period detailing, emotionally charged sequences, and the rise of a woman who defied all odds. The stellar cast is led by Prosenjit Chatterjee as Bhavani Charan Pathak, the fearless revolutionary and devout follower of Maa Kali, and Srabanti Chatterjee in a powerful transformation as Prafulla, who rises as the iconic Devi Chowdhurani. Their pairing promises to bring depth and intensity to this historical saga. Speaking about the film, Subhrajit said, 'This is a magnum opus that celebrates Bengal's heritage. The response to the teaser has been overwhelming, with many calling it a 'commercial classic.' This Puja, it's truly Devi for Devi Chowdhurani .' Prosenjit added, 'Playing Bhavani Pathak has been a deeply fulfilling experience. He is both a revolutionary and a devotee, and I tried to portray that sincerity. Reviving such timeless characters keeps Bengal's heritage alive.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The film also features Sabyasachi Chakrabarty, Arjun Chakrabarty, Darshana Banik, Bibriti Chatterjee, Kinjal Nanda, Bharat Kaul and Alexx O'Nell in key roles. With music by Bikram Ghosh, Devi Chowdhurani is poised to be one of the biggest cinematic highlights of the year. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' OTT Release: Tom Cruise starrer sets August 19, 2025 for digital streaming
After a long 3-month wait, fans of Tom Cruise 's latest action-adventure film, 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' is set for its digital debut. According to the latest reports, 'The Final Reckoning', said to be the last film in the MI franchise, will make its digital debut on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. This comes after a 90-day run at the theatrical window. Screen Rant reports that the film will now be available to buy or rent on all major VOD platforms - including Apple TV, Prime Video, YouTube, and Fandango at Home. The purchase price is set at USD 19.99, while rentals will be available for around USD 14.99. For die-hard fans of the action franchise, buying the film comes with a range of exclusive bonus features that go beyond your typical digital release. Box office collections Despite good reviews and an extensive global promotional campaign, the film's box office performance has raised questions about the future of the franchise. The movie reportedly has grossed an estimated $595 million worldwide. Although an impressive number for most films releasing in 2025, the numbers don't meet the mark as the film reportedly had a production budget of $400 million. The film's low box office performance has triggered speculation that it could just mark the end of the franchise. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play this game for 1 minute and see why everyone is addicted. Undo About the film 'The Final Reckoning' follows Ethan Hunt and his team on a daring mission to stop Gabriel and the dangerous AI program known as The Entity, which threatens global destruction. Launched in 1996 with the first film based on the classic 1960s TV series, the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise has since grown into one of Hollywood's most successful action sagas, producing eight films over 29 years. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
