Danielle Spencer — famous for playing Dee Thomas on the hit ’70s sitcom “What’s Happening!!” — has died at 60 following complications from cancer, TMZ has learned.
Her longtime friend and former costar Haywood Nelson — AKA Dwayne from the sitcom — tells TMZ Danielle passed away Monday night in a Richmond, Virginia hospital … with her mom Cheryl and her jazz musician brother Jeremy Pelt by her side.
Haywood adds Danielle had previously been in a car accident — and was in a wheelchair.
He honored Danielle on IG Tuesday, saying her battle had taken a heavy toll — but she’s “finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body.”
“What’s Happening!!” ran on ABC from ’76 to ’79, with Danielle reprising her iconic role in the ’80s spin-off ‘What’s Happening Now!!” … before leaving Hollywood in the ’90s to become a veterinarian.
