Here’s the latest and confirmed news on Danielle Spencer (the American actress and former child star known for her role as Dee Thomas on What’s Happening):
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Danielle Spencer passed away on August 11, 2025, at age 60 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Her co-star Haywood Nelson announced her death via an Instagram tribute, describing her as a "brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior" and highlighting her courage through her illness.
Spencer had endured numerous health challenges over the years: a serious car accident in 1977 left her in a coma and with lasting injuries; she faced spinal stenosis; she battled breast cancer beginning in 2014 (undergoing a double mastectomy); and in 2018, she had emergency surgery for a bleeding brain hematoma.
After her acting career, Danielle earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University and dedicated herself to animal care and rights. She was also the first child star inducted into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Summary:
Danielle Spencer, beloved for her iconic role as Dee Thomas and her signature catchphrase “Ooooh, I’m gonna tell Mama!”, passed away on August 11, 2025. Despite numerous personal and health struggles—beginning with a traumatic car accident in childhood and culminating in a long battle with cancer—she showed remarkable resilience. Her second legacy as a veterinarian and animal rights advocate, alongside her pioneering recognition in the Smithsonian, speaks volumes about her enduring impact on entertainment and beyond.
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