Danielle Spencer, “What's Happening” child star, honored at service by fellow celebs after death at 60
- - Danielle Spencer, “What's Happening” child star, honored at service by fellow celebs after death at 60
Wesley StenzelAugust 23, 2025 at 3:50 AM
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Danielle Spencer in 1976Key points -
Kim Fields spoke at a celebration of life service for What's Happening star Danielle Spencer.
Spencer's costar Haywood Nelson also attended the service.
Holly Robinson Peete said the ceremony was "something I will cherish forever."
Friends and former castmates of Danielle Spencer are honoring the late child star.
Several notable entertainers attended a celebration of life ceremony for the What's Happening actress, who died on Aug. 11 at age 60. The actress-turned-veterinarian died in a hospital in Richmond, Va. According to a GoFundMe page, Spencer was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy in 2014 and emergency surgery in 2018 to relieve bleeding on her brain.
ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
Shirley Hemphill (Shirley), Fred Berry (Rerun); bottom: Haywood Nelson (Dwayne), Ernest Thomas (Raj), Mabel King (Mama) and Danielle Spencer (Dee) from 'What's Happening'
Spencer's friend and fellow former child actress Kim Fields said that she spoke at the service on Thursday.
"Our parents were in acting school together," the Facts of Life star wrote on Instagram. "Barbie pink heels just for her, in honor of our epic Barbie playdates. She had the most incredible collection (dolls and ALL the Barbie toys)."
She continued, "I added to her collection today with a black veterinarian Barbie, presenting it to her mom. Dani left acting and became a successful veterinarian, DOCTOR Danielle Spencer. thank you for your continued support, love and respect."
Haywood Nelson, who starred on What's Happening alongside Spencer as a teenager, gave a run-down of the service on Instagram.
"A hard yet meaningful day in a home-going celebration of Dr. Danielle Luise Spencer," the actor wrote. "So much appreciation for the love shared. Kim Fields’ little sister tribute with childhood gems - a created collectible Veterinarian Barbie (for Danielle’s Mother, Cheryl Pelt) and a pair of pink high-heeled pumps worn as forever-remembrance. Danielle’s brother, Jeremy Pelt providing meaningful love by trumpet music rendition and loving commentary. Danielle’s nieces and nephew (Amma, Charlie and Milo) with heart-delivered performance and addresses."
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21 Jump Street star Holly Robinson Peete also posted photos from the event on social media.
"I had the honor of remembering Dr. Danielle Spencer — known to the world as the hilarious 'Dee' from What’s Happening- but to me, she was my sweet girlfriend and schoolmate when we were just 12 and 13," Peete wrote on Instagram. "I will never forget her kindness, her grace, and her strength through life’s many challenges."
She continued, "Sharing in the love of those who were with her in her final moments is something I will cherish forever. Rest in heavenly peace, Danielle. You will always be remembered with so much love."
Spencer was best known for playing Dee Thomas, the younger sister on What's Happening who frequently uttered the catchphrase "Ooooh, I'm gonna tell Mama!" The show ran for three seasons from 1976 to 1979. She later recurred as a college-aged version of the same character on the follow-up series What's Happening Now, which ran for three seasons from 1985 to 1988.
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