Child star Danielle Spencer, who portrayed Dee Thomas on the 1970s comedy TV series “What’s Happening!!,” has died at 60, according to former co-star and friend Haywood Nelson.

Haywood Nelson is mourning the demise of his What's Happening!! co-star, Danielle Spencer. Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne Nelson opposite Spencer's Dee Thomas on the show, was the first to announce her demise, at the age of 60. He took to Instagram on August 11 to pen a heartfelt statement in her honor:

Danielle Spencer, the former child star from the 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!! died, her co-star Haywood Nelson announced on August 12, 2025. Spencer was 60 years old. The late actor-turned-veterinarian was battling a form of cancer during the end of her life, and fans are wondering what her cause of death since Spencer was only 60.