Danielle Spencer — the beloved actress who played “Dee” on the classic sitcom What’s Happening!! — has passed away at age 59, and her family is opening up about the devastating chain of health struggles that led to her death.

Danielle Spencer, the former child star who played Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!, has died at the age of 60. Her career spanned acting and veterinary medicine, and she became a familiar face to audiences for her sharp wit and memorable catchphrase.

Most of the ‘What’s Happening!!’ cast paid tribute to Danielle Spencer after she died in 2025. Find out where the former co-stars are today.

Danielle Spencer, the actress best known for playing the quick-witted little sister Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!” died on Monday at a hospital in Richmond, Va., her brother announced on Instagram. She had previously been diagnosed with breast cancer and undergone a double mastectomy and emergency surgeries. She was 60.