Remembering Dee Thomas: The Iconic Role Model
Introduction
Danielle Spencer, known for her role as Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom “What's Happening!!,” has sadly passed away at the age of 60. According to a family spokesperson, Spencer died on Monday after a long battle with cancer. Her character Dee was a beloved and iconic part of the show, known for her deadpan humor and quick wit.
The Legacy of Dee Thomas
Spencer's portrayal of Dee Thomas was groundbreaking for its time. As a young Black actor, she brought a refreshing and relatable perspective to the TV screen. Her character tackled issues such as racism, sexism, and growing up in a low-income family, all while delivering hilarious one-liners. Dee became a role model for young girls and a fan favorite on the show.
But it wasn't just her acting that made Spencer stand out. She was also a talented musician and released her own record in 1989. Her passion for music was infused into her character on the show, with Dee often singing and playing the keyboard in the Thomas household.
A Lasting Impact
Spencer's passing is a loss for the entertainment industry and her fans. Her legacy as Dee Thomas will continue to live on in the hearts of those who grew up watching her on TV. Her role as a strong, independent, and witty young
About the People Mentioned
Danielle Spencer
Danielle Louise Spencer (June 24, 1965 – August 11, 2025) was an American actress, best known for portraying Dee Thomas, the wisecracking little sister on the ABC sitcom *What's Happening!!* from 1976 to 1979.[2][3] She reprised the role in the sequel series *What's Happening Now!!* (1985–1988), appearing in select episodes while pursuing higher education, and earned a bachelor's degree in marine biology from UCLA.[2] Her early career included guest spots on shows like *Soul Train* (1987), *Family Feud* (1979), and *The Brady Bunch Special* (1977), as well as *Christmas at Walt Disney World* (1978).[1] In 1977, Spencer survived a severe car crash that killed her stepfather and manager, Tim Pelt, leaving her in a three-week coma with multiple fractures; decades later, lingering injuries from the accident temporarily confined her to a wheelchair until intensive therapy enabled her to walk with crutches.[1] At the 2006 TV Land Awards, she co-won the "Character Most in Need of a Time-Out" award for Dee Thomas, shared with Alison Arngrim.[2][3] Transitioning from acting, Spencer fulfilled a childhood dream by earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993.[1][2][6] She practiced in Santa Clarita, California, before relocating to Richmond, Virginia, in 2014, where she hosted pet care segments on WTVR-TV morning newscasts. Her veterinary perspective was shaped by her spinal injury experience, emphasizing holistic animal treatment.[2] Later film roles included a veterinarian in *As Good as It Gets* (1997) and *Peter Rabbit and the Crucifix* (2001).[1][2] Spencer shared her life story in the 2011 memoir *Through the Fire… Journal of a Child Star*.[1] Planned honors, like a 2016 Smithsonian induction as the youngest African American female sitcom child star, highlighted her legacy.[1] Tuskegee University mourned her passing in August 2025, noting her community service.[6]
