Danielle Spencer has tragically passed away at the age of 60. The talented actress was widely recognized for her role as the clever and witty younger sister Dee Thomas in the beloved 1970s sitcom ‘What’s Happening!!’ Spencer succumbed to her long-standing battle with cancer on Monday, August 11, as confirmed by family spokesperson Sandra Jones in a statement reported by the Associated Press.

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Understanding Spencer’s Challenging Health Journey

During the first season of ‘What’s Happening!!’, at just 12 years old, Spencer was involved in a devastating car accident on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. This tragic incident left her in a coma for three weeks and resulted in the untimely death of her stepfather, Tim Pelt. Following this traumatic event, she endured numerous surgeries to address significant spinal and neurological issues that emerged as a consequence of her injuries.

In 2014, Spencer faced a new challenge when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, leading to a double mastectomy. Her health complications continued, and in 2018, she underwent emergency surgery for a bleeding hematoma, which was a lingering effect from her 1977 car crash. After this surgery, her family reported that Danielle could only speak in a limited capacity and relied on crutches to assist her mobility. She had been experiencing health issues since at least 2004, which required her to use a wheelchair and relearn how to walk.

Danielle Spencer’s Legacy as Dee Thomas

In her iconic role as Dee, Spencer portrayed the intelligent and serious younger sister who delivered a continuous stream of deadpan humor. Who were her favorite targets? Her big brother, Roger ‘Raj’ Thomas, along with his friends Dwayne Nelson and Freddie ‘Rerun’ Stubbs. A memorable catchphrase from Dee was, “Ooh, I’m gonna tell mama,” which became synonymous with her character.

The sitcom was set in the vibrant neighborhood of Watts in Los Angeles and was groundbreaking for its time, focusing on the experiences of Black teenagers. ‘What’s Happening!!’ was adapted from the film ‘Cooley High’ and aired on ABC from 1976 to 1979. The series left a lasting legacy highlighted by its unforgettable characters, including the nerdy Raj, the catchphrase-loving Dwayne, the dancing sensation Rerun, and of course, Dee, known for her iconic eye rolls and piercing stares. Spencer reprised her role as Dee in the mid-1980s reboot ‘What’s Happening Now!!’, which successfully ran for three seasons.

Haywood Nelson, who portrayed Dwayne on the show, also commemorated Danielle’s passing in a heartfelt Instagram post on August 12, where he began by celebrating her “brilliance.”

“Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior, without fail, has finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body. We celebrate Danielle Spencer and her contributions as we regret to inform her departure and transition from a long battle with cancer. We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, ‘What’s Happening’ cast member, veterinarian animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine. Our Shero. Danielle is loved. She will be missed in this form and forever embraced,” Nelson expressed.

What Were the Key Milestones After Her Acting Career?

Following her time on the popular TV series, Spencer pursued higher education at the University of California, Davis, and UCLA. In 1993, she earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University, marking a significant achievement as she transitioned into a career as a veterinarian and a passionate animal advocate. Despite her focus on veterinary medicine, Danielle occasionally returned to acting, including a notable role as a veterinarian in the acclaimed 1997 film ‘As Good as it Gets,’ featuring Jack Nicholson.

Rest in Peace, Danielle Spencer!

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Associated Press Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton contributed to this report.