‘What’s Happening!!’ Star Danielle Spencer’s Final Days: A Mother’s Heartbreaking Account
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’s mother, Cheryl Pelt, shared that her daughter’s final battle began on August 1, when she was hospitalized with a severe urinary tract infection that turned septic. This infection left Danielle unable to eat solid food, drastically affecting her strength. As her condition worsened, pneumonia developed in both lungs, and her long-standing gastric cancer became more aggressive.
Despite her health challenges, Danielle’s family says she remained alert and communicative as recently as Sunday in a Virginia hospital. “She was talking, she was herself,” Cheryl recalled. But later that day, tragedy struck — Danielle suffered a code blue and became unresponsive.
Doctors managed to find a pulse and moved her to the ICU for more targeted treatment, but her heart had weakened significantly. After years of fighting illnesses, it was clear her body was tired.
A Life Beyond the Spotlight
For many fans, Danielle will always be remembered for her sass and comedic timing as “Dee Thomas” — the wise-cracking little sister who could steal a scene with one side-eye. But acting was only one chapter of her remarkable life.
After her career slowed down in the 1980s, Danielle followed her true passion — caring for animals. She became a veterinarian in the Los Angeles area, working in the field for over two decades. Friends and family say this was her dream job, something she had wanted since childhood.
“She had such a tremendous amount of love for the people — and animals — she cared about,” said her brother, Jeremy Pelt, a jazz musician. “Her nieces and nephews were everything to her, and even in her darkest moments, she stayed positive.”
A Long Road of Health Struggles
Danielle’s fight for her health wasn’t new. In 2013, she became seriously ill and moved from California to Virginia to live with her mother, who cared for her until the very end.
Her health problems were compounded by a severe car accident years ago — a crash that tragically claimed the life of her stepfather, Tim Pelt. While Danielle survived, she dealt with long-lasting complications from that accident for the rest of her life.
On top of those injuries, she faced a years-long battle with cancer and recurring infections. Friends say she faced these challenges with grace, but the toll was immense.
Remembering ‘Dee’
For those who grew up watching What’s Happening!!, Danielle was more than a sitcom character — she was a symbol of quick wit and fearless honesty. She joined the cast at just 11 years old and, through reruns and streaming, became a familiar face for new generations.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of love from fans and colleagues who remember her as a trailblazer — a young Black actress holding her own in a male-dominated sitcom world.
“Danielle Spencer made a mark that can’t be erased,” one fan wrote on social media. “She was a part of our childhoods, and she’ll be part of our hearts forever.”
A Legacy of Strength
Cheryl Pelt says that while her daughter’s final years were filled with challenges, she never lost her spirit. Danielle found joy in small moments, whether it was spending time with her nieces and nephews, caring for animals, or catching up with old friends from her acting days.
“She battled for a long time,” Cheryl said. “But she was surrounded by love.”
Danielle Spencer leaves behind a legacy that blends Hollywood history, personal resilience, and a deep love for family and community. Her life reminds us that even those who bring joy to millions may be fighting battles we never see.
Rest in peace, Danielle. You will be missed — but your voice, your wit, and your light will live on in every ‘Dee’ one-liner that still makes us smile.