Today, the entertainment industry grieves the loss of actress Danielle Spencer, best known for her role as the witty and sharp “Dee Dee,” the sister of Raj (Ernest Lee Thomas) in “What’s Happening.” The world pauses to remember her radiant and remarkable presence on screen and in the community.
“What’s Happening?”
“What’s Happening” was a must-watch during the late ’70s. It became a staple in many households and for good reason. The series served as a historical marker, one of the few sitcoms featuring an all-Black cast, with a central focus on a group of teenage friends. The premise was to chronicle the lives and adventures of Roger, Dwayne, and Re-Run. And it worked.
History Maker
As Thomas alluded to in a 2021 Today article, it was a monumental force paving the way for other groundbreaking cultural offerings. Per that Today article,
“Thomas also believes the series helped pave the way for other Black-centered comedies in the ‘80s, such as “The Cosby Show” and “227.”
Additionally, “What’s Happening” was said to be a sequel to the now-iconic “Cooley High,” adding an extra layer of nostalgia to its cultural significance.
Danielle Spencer: A Character of Highlight
Spencer’s sharp, clever dialogue and mastery of a punchy delivery added spice to the series. The interactions between Dee, Raj, and Mabel “Mama” Thomas (Mabel King) were, as other platforms have made note, the moral backbone. Spencer’s authenticity, of which Raj and Shirley Wilson (Shirley Hemphill) fed off, became a highlight, cementing her character in memory and the annals of television history.
Spencer was, however, more than just an actress. She was a nurturer who chose to pursue a path after the limelight that reflected this trait. Little Dee grew up to become Dr. Spencer, a veterinarian devoted to the love and care of animals. This was well-known. The New York Amsterdam News recounts that the ambitious young woman shared her aspirations in a 1985 interview as a pre-veterinary student with another publication. Spencer’s enthusiasm was palpable
“I’ve always had a knack for caring for animals and I’ve always been interested in chemistry, bacteriology, and the body.”
She made her dreams come true.
Remembering Danielle Spencer
As for many who seem to drift out of the spotlight to shine their light in other areas, they slip from collective memory until a time such as this. It is reported that Spencer’s former castmate Haywood Nelson broke the news to the public. The New York Amsterdam News records,
“According to the post made by Nelson, Spencer died Monday following a ‘long battle with cancer.'”
Reportedly, Spencer, age “60,” lived with her mom at the time of her passing. Spencer is survived not only by her mother but also by her brother, Jeremy Pelt. Pelt, who now mourns the absence of the most special part of his life, per ABC News, released a statement noting,
“Many of you knew her as ‘Dee,’ but she was more than a child actress. Spencer (she) was a friend, an auntie to my three children who adored her, and a daughter—and in many ways, my mother’s best friend. She was a veterinarian and was someone who always remained positive even during her darkest days fighting this disease. And she was MY sister and protector.”
Long Live the Legacy of Danielle Spencer
Condolences to the family and friends of Danielle Spencer. Long live her memory and legacy—a legacy of laughter, light, and love.
Written by: Renae Richardson