Haywood Nelson is mourning the demise of his What's Happening!! co-star, Danielle Spencer. Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne Nelson opposite Spencer's Dee Thomas on the show, was the first to announce her demise, at the age of 60. He took to Instagram on August 11 to pen a heartfelt statement in her honor:

The recent passing of former What’s Happening!! star Danielle Spencer (Dee) has cast a bittersweet shadow over the beloved 1970s sitcom. Once a lively tale of teens navigating life with humor and heart, the series boasted a cast of unforgettable personalities. Today, only two of the series’ original stars remain.

Danielle Spencer, the former child star from the 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!! died, her co-star Haywood Nelson announced on August 12, 2025. Spencer was 60 years old. The late actor-turned-veterinarian was battling a form of cancer during the end of her life, and fans are wondering what her cause of death since Spencer was only 60.

Danielle Spencer, the former child star known for the role on the ABC sitcom "What’s Happening!!," has died. She was 60 years old. The passing was confirmed in a post on Instagram by her friend and former co-star Haywood Nelson. Nelson said Tuesday that Spencer died after a long battle with cancer.

Danielle Spencer is being remembered for her bright spirit by her fellow What's Happening!! cast members. The actress, best known for her role as Dee Thomas in the 1976 sitcom, is being honored by her costars following news of her death at 60.

Spencer starred on the show from 1976 to 1979 and later reprised her role as Thomas in the spin-off “What’s Happening Now!!” She largely left Hollywood after that to become a veterinarian. Spencer wound up portraying a veterinarian in the 1997 film “As Good As It Gets.” Spencer was 60 years old.

The news of the death of actress Danielle Spencer was announced by actor Haywood Nelson through his official Instagram account

Danielle Spencer, who famously played Dee Thomas in the ABC sitcom “What’s Happening!!” has passed away. She was 60 years old. Her former costar, Haywood Nelson, posted a