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Danielle Spencer, who charmed audiences as Dee Thomas on What's Happening!!, has died at age 60. Her co-star Haywood Nelson shared she endured long health struggles with remarkable bravery. The actress underwent a double mastectomy in 2014 and brain surgery in 2018. Spencer's iconic catchphrase "Ooooh, I'm gonna tell Mama!" remains etched in TV history.

Key Points: What's Happening Star Danielle Spencer Dies at 60 After Cancer Battle

  • Spencer played Dee Thomas on iconic 70s sitcom What's Happening!!
  • Battled breast cancer and brain hemorrhage in later years
  • Co-star Haywood Nelson confirmed her passing
  • Show was loosely based on film Cooley High
2 min read

Hollywood actress Danielle Spencer passes away at 60

Beloved sitcom actress Danielle Spencer, known for her role as Dee Thomas on What's Happening!!, passes away at 60 after long health struggles.

"She suffered for a very long time but did it with a great deal of courage. - Haywood Nelson"

Los Angeles, August 12

Danielle Spencer, who played the precocious youngster Dee Thomas on the 1970s ABC sitcom What's Happening!!, has passed away at the age of 60.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Spencer died on Monday in a hospital in Richmond, Virginia. The news of her demise was confirmed by Spencer's What's Happening!! co-star Haywood Nelson.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy in 2014 and in 2018 underwent emergency surgery to relieve bleeding on her brain. A GoFundMe page was set up to help her pay for her medical expenses.

"She suffered for a very long time but did it with a great deal of courage," Nelson said.

Co-produced by All in the Family's Bud Yorkin, What's Happening!! was loosely based on the 1975 film Cooley High (Eric Monte wrote the movie screenplay and created the Watts-based sitcom). After a successful four-week run that started in August 1976, the comedy returned in November of that year and then for another two seasons.

Spencer played Dee, the smart-aleck younger sister of Roger "Raj" Thomas (Ernest Thomas) and daughter of Mabel (Mabel King), and she became known for her catch phrase, "Ooooh, I'm gonna tell Mama!" Nelson portrayed the down-to-earth Dwayne on the show.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Cancer is such a cruel disease. It's heartbreaking that even international celebrities struggle with medical expenses. Our healthcare system needs serious reforms globally.
A
Arjun K
"Ooooh, I'm gonna tell Mama!" - This line still makes me smile. Danielle brought so much joy through her acting. 60 is too young to go. Condolences to her family and fans worldwide.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the coverage, I wish Indian media would give equal importance to our own talented actors who pass away. Just saying - we have amazing artists who deserve recognition too.
K
Kavya N
Shows like What's Happening!! shaped my childhood. The struggles Danielle faced with her health remind us how fragile life is. Let's all get regular health checkups, no matter how busy we are!
V
Vikram M
Rest in power, Danielle. Her courage through multiple health battles is inspiring. Makes you think - even with fame and success, life can be so challenging. Puts things in perspective.

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