Danielle Spencer (American actress) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Danielle Spencer
Spencer in 1977
Born	June 24, 1965 Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	August 11, 2025(2025-08-11) (aged 60) Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
Other names	Danielle Spencer-David
Alma mater	Tuskegee University
Occupation	Actress, veterinarian
Years active	1976–1988; 1997–2001 (acting)

Danielle Spencer (born June 24, 1965 – died August 11, 2025) was an American actress who became famous as a child star. She is best known for playing Dee Thomas on the popular ABC TV show What's Happening!! from 1976 to 1979. She later played the same role in the show's follow-up series, What's Happening Now!!. After her acting career, Danielle Spencer became a veterinarian, helping animals.

Life and Career of Danielle Spencer

Early Life and Acting Beginnings

Danielle Spencer was born on June 24, 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey. Her mother, Cheryl Pelt, was a writer. Danielle considered her mother's next husband, Tim Pelt, to be her father. Her family later moved to the Bronx, New York. Danielle started acting around age eight and took acting classes.

In 1976, Danielle was chosen for the role of Dee Thomas, the younger sister, in the TV show What's Happening!!. This show was inspired by the movie Cooley High. What's Happening!! first aired as a summer show but became so popular that a full season was ordered.

A Serious Accident and Recovery

On September 6, 1977, while filming the second season of What's Happening!!, Danielle and her stepfather, Tim Pelt, were in a serious car accident. Danielle was in a coma for three weeks. Sadly, her stepfather passed away from his injuries while trying to protect her during the crash. Danielle does not remember the accident. She spent six months recovering and doing physical therapy to get better.

College and Return to Acting

After What's Happening!! ended in 1979, Danielle and her mother lived in the Ivory Coast for a while. When she returned, Danielle went to the University of California-Davis. She studied to become a veterinarian, which was something her stepfather had encouraged her to do.

The old What's Happening!! episodes were very popular when shown again on TV. Because of this, a new show called What's Happening Now!! was created in 1985. Danielle played Dee again in many episodes during the show's three seasons, all while she was still in college. She also joined the Delta Sigma Theta sorority during her second year. After What's Happening Now!! finished in 1988, Danielle went to Tuskegee University Veterinary School in Tuskegee, Alabama. She officially became a veterinarian in 1996.

Later Roles and Recognition

Danielle Spencer appeared in a few acting roles after becoming a veterinarian. 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.

The cast of What's Happening!! was honored at the 2006 TV Land Awards. Danielle Spencer won an award for "Character Most in Need of a Time-Out" along with Little House on the Prairie actress Alison Arngrim.

Danielle wrote a book about her experiences as a child star called Through the Fire: Journal of a Child Star. This book brought new attention to her life and career. She appeared on shows like The Wendy Williams Show and TV One's Life After and Unsung Hollywood with her former cast members.

Personal Life and Inspirations

Family and Relationships

Danielle Spencer married Garry Fields, a marketing manager, in Marina Del Rey, California in 1999. They later divorced in 2013. In 2014, Danielle married David L. David, an entrepreneur from New Jersey. She was introduced to him by Ernest Thomas, her former co-star.

Overcoming Health Challenges

In 2004, Danielle Spencer began having problems with her balance and ongoing pain. Doctors found that these issues were caused by injuries from her 1977 car accident. She had a surgery to help, but it caused her to be partially unable to move for eight months. Danielle received special treatment at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey. She has said that the institute helped her get her life back.

Danielle worked as a veterinarian, first in Santa Clarita, California. In 2014, she moved to Richmond, Virginia, to be closer to her family. In Richmond, she hosted segments about pet care for morning news shows on WTVR-TV.

In a 2012 interview with People magazine, Danielle shared that her own experience with her health challenges changed how she cared for animals. She learned to look for the main cause of their problems, not just treat their pain.

Inspiring Others and New Ventures

In 2014, Danielle Spencer was honored by being included in the permanent exhibition of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. She is the only former child actor to receive this special recognition. She also became involved in fashion design and launched her "Dani Collection" clothing line, which was inspired by her own style.

Health and Passing

Danielle Spencer was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2014. She spoke about her diagnosis during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She shared that she was surprised by the news but had a lot of support from her family and friends. She received treatment for her illness.

Danielle Spencer passed away from cancer at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, on August 11, 2025. She was 60 years old.

Film and Television Roles

Movies

TV Shows