Danielle Spencer, who was known for her role on the 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!, died on August 11, 2025 at age 60. What’s Happening!! ran from 1976 to 1979, and Danielle also played the same role in the show’s spinoff, What’s Happening Now!!, which ran from 1985 to 1988. After acting, she pursued a career as a veterinarian.
During an interview with TMZ, Danielle’s mom, Cheryl Pelt, explained that Danielle was hospitalized prior to her death. Cheryl told the publication that her daughter was admitted to the hospital on August 1. According to her, she had a urinary tract infection that turned septic.
In addition to that, she reportedly had pneumonia in both lungs. She had struggled with health issues for years. Some of the health challenges she faced were due to a severe car accident in 1977. Her stepfather, Tim Pelt, died in the accident. Years later, she was diagnosed with spinal stenosis as a result of the crash.
In 2014, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the New York Times reported. According to Danielle’s publicist, Sandra Jones, she died from gastric cancer and cardiac arrest.
Several of Danielle’s former costars took to social media to share heartfelt tributes to the late actress. On Instagram, Ernest Lee Thomas, who portrayed Roger “Raj” Thomas on What’s Happening!!, recalled how he felt when he learned of Danielle’s death. “My body tightened and stiffened like it was extremely heavy and waves of emotions came over me,” he wrote. “I am happy she was with her mother and brother when she transitioned. I thank GOD for giving me 49 years of a supernatural friendship, millions of laughs, countless days worshiping our Savior CHRIST JESUS. Grateful but full of tears.”
Another one of her costars, Haywood Nelson, wrote, “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.”
Describing Danielle as a “Shero,” he added, “We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, What’s Happening cast member, veterinarian animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine.”
