Latest news with #What'sHappeningNow!
Cedar News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cedar News
Former child star Danielle Spencer, beloved for her role as Dee Thomas, has died following a battle with gastric cancer and cardiac arrest.
Danielle Spencer Death: 'What's Happening!!' Star Dies at 60 Danielle Spencer death has been confirmed by her family, marking a sad day for fans of the beloved 1970s sitcom What's Happening!!. The former child actress, who brought to life the witty and unforgettable Dee Thomas, died on August 11, 2025, at age 60, due to gastric cancer and cardiac arrest. A Beloved Star from 'What's Happening!!' Spencer starred in 65 episodes of What's Happening!!, the ABC sitcom set in South Los Angeles' Watts neighborhood, and later appeared in 16 episodes of its sequel What's Happening Now!. Fans remember her sharp one-liners, spirited personality, and the sibling dynamic she portrayed with on-screen brothers Raj and Rerun. Survivor, Scholar, and Veterinarian In 1977, Spencer survived a devastating car crash that claimed the life of her stepfather and manager, Tim Pelt. Her resilience led her to pursue a career outside Hollywood, earning a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1993. She dedicated years to animal care before returning to the public spotlight for fan events and interviews. Family Tributes and Final Moments Spencer's younger brother, jazz musician Jeremy Pelt, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, calling her 'a loving spirit who fought courageously until the very end.' He revealed he was at her side when she took her last breath, describing her as 'my sister and protector.' She is survived by her mother, Cheryl Pelt, her brother Jeremy, and his three children, to whom she was a devoted aunt. Cultural Legacy and Smithsonian Honor In 2016, Spencer's work was immortalized in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, a recognition she described as surreal and deeply meaningful. The Danielle Spencer death marks the loss of a trailblazer who was more than a TV star—she was a survivor, healer, and inspiration to many.
UPI
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
'What's Happening!!' star Danielle Spencer dies at 60
Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Former actor Danielle Spencer died Monday at age 60, CBS 6 in Richmond, Va., and The Hollywood Reporter confirmed. Spencer became a veterinarian in Los Angeles after graduating Tuskegee University in 1993. She practiced in Richmond since 2014 and played a veterinarian in the 1997 film As Good As It Gets. As a child actor, she played Dee on What's Happening!! From 1976 to 1979. She reprised the role in the '80s revival What's Happening Now! Her What's Happening!! co-star Haywood Nelson announced her death on Instagram and confirmed it to The Hollywood Reporter. "We celebrate Danielle Spencer and her contributions as we regret to inform her departure and transition from a long battle with cancer," Nelson wrote. "We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, 'What's Happening' cast member, veterinarian animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine." Dr. Spencer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. She died at a Richmond hospital of cancer. Notable deaths of 2025 Astronaut Jim Lovell, commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission to the moon, died August 8, 2025, in Illinois, his family announced. He was 97. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Danielle Spencer net worth 2025: How much was the ‘What's Happening!!' Star Worth at her death?
The American actress Danielle Spencer, born on June 24, 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey, breathed her last on Monday--passing away at the age of 60. She became famous as a child actress for a role Dee Thomas in the popular TV sitcom What's Happening!! from 1976 to 1979. She played the same role again in the show What's Happening Now! from 1985 to 1988, says Celebrity Net Worth report. Her appearances in movies like As Good as It Gets (1997) and a short film Peter Rabbit and the Crucifix (2001). Danielle acted in TV shows like The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (1977), NBC Special Treat (1978), and Days of Our Lives (2001). She also won a TV Land Award in 2006 for the character 'Most Desperately in Need of a Timeout.' 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 Danielle Spencer's career and awards Danielle Spencer is considered one of the first black female child stars in American TV. After acting, she earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1993 and worked as a vet for nearly 20 years, mainly in Los Angeles and later Virginia, according to the Business Upturn report. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crossout 2.0: Supercharged Crossout Play Now ALSO READ: Controversial Sydney Sweeney ad backlash sends American Eagle foot traffic plummeting She also authored a memoir titled Through the Fire: Journal of a Child Star in 2010, where she shared her personal journey from child star to adult. Danielle Spencer's total net worth was around $1 million. This money came from her acting career, veterinary work, and writing, claims report. Live Events Health battles and personal life Haywood Nelson Spencer's old co-star said she passed away on August 11, 2025, at age 60, in Richmond, Virginia. Spencer had many health problems, including breast cancer, leading to a double mastectomy over 10 years ago, and brain surgery in 2018. She survived a tragic car accident in 1977 in Malibu where her stepfather, actor Tim Pelt, died. Danielle spent weeks in intensive care. She was raised by her mother, a French teacher, in New York City, and her stepfather was Tim Pelt who helped launch her acting career, as stated by Hindustan Times report. ALSO READ: What is Sepsis — the heart of the problem behind America's hand soap recall, and how dangerous is it? Spencer started acting at age 7 in a repertory company co-founded by her stepfather. Danielle was famous for her catchphrase in What's Happening!!: 'Oooh, I'm gonna tell Mama!' Apart from her mother Cheryl, she is survived by her brother Jeremy, a jazz musician. Despite her health struggles, she showed great courage throughout her life, as noted by her co-star, as per the reports. FAQs Q1. What was Danielle Spencer's net worth?6 Danielle Spencer's net worth was around $1 million from her acting, veterinary career, and writing. Q2. When did Danielle Spencer pass away and what was the cause? Danielle Spencer passed away on August 11, 2025, after battling breast cancer and other health issues.
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Danielle Spencer net worth 2025: How much was the ‘What's Happening!!' Star Worth at her death?
American actress Danielle Spencer is no more. She died at the age of 60 in Richmond, Virginia. Spencer was famous for her role as Dee Thomas in 'What's Happening!!'. She also appeared in other shows and movies. After acting, she became a vet. Spencer battled breast cancer and had brain surgery. She is survived by her mother and brother. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Danielle Spencer's career and awards Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Health battles and personal life FAQs The American actress Danielle Spencer, born on June 24, 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey, breathed her last on Monday--passing away at the age of 60. She became famous as a child actress for a role Dee Thomas in the popular TV sitcom What's Happening!! from 1976 to 1979. She played the same role again in the show What's Happening Now! from 1985 to 1988, says Celebrity Net Worth appearances in movies like As Good as It Gets (1997) and a short film Peter Rabbit and the Crucifix (2001). Danielle acted in TV shows like The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (1977), NBC Special Treat (1978), and Days of Our Lives (2001). She also won a TV Land Award in 2006 for the character 'Most Desperately in Need of a Timeout.'Danielle Spencer is considered one of the first black female child stars in American TV. After acting, she earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1993 and worked as a vet for nearly 20 years, mainly in Los Angeles and later Virginia, according to the Business Upturn also authored a memoir titled Through the Fire: Journal of a Child Star in 2010, where she shared her personal journey from child star to adult. Danielle Spencer's total net worth was around $1 million. This money came from her acting career, veterinary work, and writing, claims Nelson Spencer's old co-star said she passed away on August 11, 2025, at age 60, in Richmond, Virginia. Spencer had many health problems, including breast cancer, leading to a double mastectomy over 10 years ago, and brain surgery in survived a tragic car accident in 1977 in Malibu where her stepfather, actor Tim Pelt, died. Danielle spent weeks in intensive care. She was raised by her mother, a French teacher, in New York City, and her stepfather was Tim Pelt who helped launch her acting career, as stated by Hindustan Times started acting at age 7 in a repertory company co-founded by her stepfather. Danielle was famous for her catchphrase in What's Happening!!: 'Oooh, I'm gonna tell Mama!' Apart from her mother Cheryl, she is survived by her brother Jeremy, a jazz musician. Despite her health struggles, she showed great courage throughout her life, as noted by her co-star, as per the Spencer's net worth was around $1 million from her acting, veterinary career, and Spencer passed away on August 11, 2025, after battling breast cancer and other health issues.
4 days ago
- Entertainment
'What's Happening!!' star Danielle Spencer dies at 60
Danielle Spencer, a former child actor best known for her role as Dee in the 1970s sitcom "What's Happening!!", has died, a publicist for her family confirmed to ABC News. Spencer died Aug. 11, after a battle with cancer. She was 60, according to Sandra Jones, a family friend who is serving as the family's spokesperson. "This untimely death is really hard to process right now," Jones told ABC News Tuesday. "She is a sweet and gentle soul and she is going to be missed very, very much." Spencer starred in 65 episodes of "What's Happening!!", an ABC sitcom about three teenage boys growing up in the South Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts, according to IMDb. Spencer played Dee Thomas, the boys' younger sister. She also appeared in 16 episodes of the show's sequel, "What's Happening Now!" In 1977, Spencer survived a fatal car crash that killed her stepfather and manager, Tim Pelt, according to her biography on her website. After recovering from her injuries, Spencer went onto earn a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine in 1993. She moved from California to the Richmond, Virginia, area in 2014. At the time of her death, she lived with her mom in an area outside of Richmond, according to Jones. In addition to her mom, Cheryl Pelt, Spencer is also survived by her younger brother, jazz musician Jeremy Pelt. Jeremy Pelt shared a tribute to his sister on Instagram Tuesday, writing, "Many of you knew her as 'Dee,' but she was more than a child actress." "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," he continued. "And she was MY sister and protector." He added that he was "thankful" to be with his sister when she took her last breath and was "gutted" by her death, writing, "I love you, forever." In a 2016 interview with a local Richmond TV station, Spencer reflected on her acting career being featured at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. "I seriously can't even digest it," Spencer 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." Spencer said that her late stepfather brought her into the world of acting. At age 9, she said she got the call that she had won the role of Dee in "What's Happening!!" "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," she said.
