After acting, Danielle Spencer became a veterinarian and animal welfare advocate. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Danielle Spencer Dee Thomas: Early Stardom and Signature Role
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Spencer began acting at a young age and secured the role of Dee Thomas at just 11 years old.
The character was the sharp-witted younger sister on What’s Happening!!, a groundbreaking show focusing on Black teenagers in Los Angeles’ Watts neighborhood.
Spencer’s deadpan humor and memorable catchphrase “Ooooh, I’m gonna tell Mama!” made Dee a beloved figure throughout the series, which aired from 1976 to 1979.
Career Continuation and Reboot
Spencer reprised her role in the mid-1980s sequel, What’s Happening Now!!, which ran for three seasons. Beyond acting, she made a brief return in the 1997 film As Good as It Gets, playing a veterinarian, foreshadowing her later career transition.
Danielle Spencer Dee Thomas: Overcoming Tragedy and Health Challenges
In 1977, Spencer was critically injured in a car accident that also claimed the life of her stepfather. The crash left her in a coma for three weeks and resulted in long-term spinal and neurological complications. These injuries would require multiple surgeries and rehabilitation efforts throughout her life.
Health Struggles and Cancer Diagnosis
Spencer’s health battles continued, including a breast cancer diagnosis in 2014 that led to a double mastectomy. In 2018, she underwent emergency surgery to treat a bleeding hematoma related to her earlier accident. Despite these challenges, Spencer remained resilient, continuing to advocate for health and wellness.
Danielle Spencer Dee Thomas: A Second Career as Veterinarian and Advocate
After her acting career, Spencer pursued veterinary medicine. She earned her doctorate from Tuskegee University in 1993 after studies at the University of California, Davis and UCLA. Spencer practiced veterinary medicine in Los Angeles and later in Richmond, Virginia, where she also became an advocate for animal welfare.
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Her commitment to her second profession earned her recognition, including becoming the first former child actor inducted into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture permanent exhibition, underscoring her lasting cultural impact.
Legacy and Tributes to Danielle Spencer Dee Thomas
Spencer’s death prompted tributes highlighting her strength and versatility. Co-star Haywood Nelson called her a “brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior” and praised her contributions both on screen and off. Family members and fans remember her as a dedicated sister, actress, and veterinarian who overcame significant adversity.
Her legacy bridges entertainment and animal advocacy, illustrating a life marked by perseverance and compassion. Spencer is survived by her mother and brother, leaving behind a lasting imprint on both industries.
