Former child actress Danielle Spencer, best known for her role as Dee in the 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!”, has died at 60. She passed away on August 11 due to gastric cancer and cardiac arrest.
Spencer starred in 65 episodes of the show and played the role of Dee Thomas, the younger sister of three teenage boys growing up in a South Los Angeles neighborhood. In addition to her acting career, Spencer earned a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine in 1993.
Spencer survived a fatal car crash in 1977 that killed her stepfather and manager. She also previously battled breast cancer before her passing. At the time of her death, she lived with her mother in an area outside Richmond, Virginia.
The actress was remembered by her brother Jeremy Pelt as “a very loving spirit who fought courageously until the very end”. He shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, describing Spencer as a friend, auntie, and sister.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/whats-happening-star-danielle-spencer-dies-60/story?id=124582939