Former child actor Danielle Spencer, best known for her beloved role as Dee on the 1970s sitcom What's Happening!!, has passed away unexpectedly.

Spencer died at 60 from complications related to gastric cancer and a cardiac arrest on August 11, as ABC News reports.

A cherished figure among television fans, Spencer brought vibrancy and enthusiasm to her character Dee. She starred in 65 episodes of What's Happening!! and later returned for 16 episodes of the sequel series, What's Happening Now!

Early acting career

Spencer began her acting journey at the tender age of nine when she landed the iconic role that would mark her career. Reflecting on her casting, Spencer recalled how her life changed after being flown to California to join the show.

In a 2016 interview, Spencer expressed her astonishment at the legacy of What's Happening!!, noting that the show remained memorable decades after it aired. She expressed pride about its inclusion in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Spencer's career in acting, however, was only one facet of her richly layered life. Her journey also included overcoming serious personal challenges.

Facing, overcoming personal challenges

In 1977, tragedy struck Spencer's life when she survived a fatal car accident that killed her stepfather and manager, Tim Pelt.

Despite the immense personal loss, she showed remarkable resilience by overcoming the ordeal and continuing her education.

In 1993, she expanded her horizons by earning a doctorate in veterinary medicine, further diversifying her professional pursuits. After retiring from acting, she dedicated herself to caring for animals.

Her commitment to positivity and resilience was a cornerstone of her personality, a trait admired by all who knew her.

Family bonds, tributes remain

Spencer spent her last years living outside Richmond, Virginia, with her mother, Cheryl Pelt. She had bravely battled breast cancer in the past, demonstrating continued courage in the face of adversity.

Her brother, Jeremy Pelt, a noted jazz musician, expressed profound grief over losing Spencer.

He described her as a loving spirit who faced her challenges with incredible bravery.

Pelt shared heartfelt words on Instagram, portraying her not just as the character Dee that the audience loved but as a friend, aunt, daughter, and sister who maintained positivity in trying times.

Impact on entertainment industry, culture remembered

The impact Spencer made on the entertainment industry and those around her remains significant. A family friend and spokesperson, Sandra Jones, spoke of how difficult it was to process Spencer's untimely death.

She emphasized that Spencer was a sweet person who would be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Spencer's portrayals in What's Happening!! left an indelible mark on both television history and the hearts of viewers worldwide. Her work on the show was part of a larger cultural tapestry recognized by the Smithsonian Institution.

While her role as Dee is fondly remembered, her deep, personal connections with her family and contributions to veterinary medicine showcase her multifaceted life.

Legacy of a multifaceted woman

Danielle Spencer's life was marked by more than the joy she brought to television screens. It was defined by strength, resilience, and the ability to impact multiple fields positively upon entering adulthood.

As her family, friends, and fans mourn her loss, the remembrance of her vibrant spirit and the roles she fulfilled beyond acting highlight her enduring legacy.

Spencer is survived by her brother Jeremy Pelt, who shared their familial ties and bond with the world, ensuring her memory will be cherished forever.