Danielle Spencer (American actress) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Danielle Spencer
Spencer in 1977
Born	(1965-06-24) June 24, 1965 (age 59) Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, veterinarian
Years active	1976–2001

Danielle Spencer is an American actress and former child star. She is best known for playing Dee Thomas in the TV show What's Happening!!. This popular comedy ran from 1976 to 1979. Danielle later played Dee again in the show's sequel, What's Happening Now!!.

Life as an Actress and Veterinarian

Early Life and First Acting Role

Danielle Spencer was born on June 24, 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey. Her family later moved to the Bronx, New York. Danielle started acting when she was about eight years old. She took acting classes to learn more about performing.

In 1976, Danielle got a big role as Dee Thomas in the TV show What's Happening!!. She played the younger sister in the show. It was a comedy series that became very popular. The show did so well that a full season was quickly ordered.

Overcoming Challenges and Continuing Her Career

In 1977, Danielle and her stepfather, Tim Pelt, were in a serious car accident. Danielle was in a coma for three weeks. Her stepfather sadly passed away while trying to protect her during the crash. Danielle doesn't remember the accident. She spent six months recovering and doing physical therapy.

After What's Happening!! ended in 1979, Danielle and her mother lived in Africa for a while. When she returned, Danielle decided to study veterinary medicine. Her stepfather had encouraged her to pursue this dream. She attended the University of California-Davis to earn her degree.

The old episodes of What's Happening!! were still very popular. Because of this, a new show called What's Happening Now!! was created in 1985. Danielle played Dee again in many episodes while she was still in college. She became a veterinarian in 1996.

Acting and Other Interests

Danielle Spencer now mostly works as a veterinarian. However, she still acts sometimes. In 1997, she played a veterinarian in the movie As Good as It Gets. She also appeared in Peter Rabbit and the Crucifix in 2001. She takes small acting roles when they don't interfere with her veterinary work.

In 2006, the cast of What's Happening!! was honored at the TV Land Awards. Danielle won an award for "Character Most in Need of a Time-Out."

Danielle wrote a book about her life as a child star. It is called Through the Fire: Journal of a Child Star. This book made people interested in her life again. She appeared on shows like The Wendy Williams Show and Life After.

Personal Life and Health

Family and Health Journey

Danielle Spencer married Garry Fields in 1999. He was a marketing manager and her publicist. They later divorced in 2013.

In 2004, Danielle had problems with her balance and pain. Doctors found out she had spinal stenosis. This was caused by the injuries from her 1977 car accident. She had surgery to fix it, but it left her partly unable to move for eight months. Danielle worked hard to recover at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. She says they helped her get her life back.

Danielle has been a veterinarian in California for over 25 years. She shared that her own health challenges changed how she treats animals. She now focuses on finding the main cause of their problems, not just easing their pain.

Recognitions and New Ventures

In 2014, Danielle Spencer was honored by the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. She is the only former child actor to receive this special recognition. She also started a fashion design line called "Dani Collection." It is based on her own personal style.

In September 2014, Danielle was diagnosed with breast cancer. She spoke out during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She told Black America Web that she was surprised by the news. Danielle said she thought she wouldn't face another health challenge after her spinal cord injury. She also mentioned that the disease runs in her family. Danielle shared that she had a lot of support from friends and family. She considered her treatment options, with surgery being a main choice. She hoped she wouldn't need chemotherapy or radiation.

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Appearances