Danielle Spencer, who played little sister Dee on ‘What’s Happening!!,’ dies at 60
August 12, 2025
Known for her role as Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!,” Danielle Spencer has died at age 60. A family spokesperson said Spencer died Monday after battling cancer for several years. As Dee, she was a deadpan, wisecracking younger sister with a memorable catchphrase, “Ooh, I’m gonna tell mama.” The show aired from 1976 to 1979 and was one of the first on TV to focus on Black teenagers. A major car accident that killed her stepfather left Spencer in a coma for weeks during production of the show. Spencer also appeared in the 1980s reboot “What’s Happening Now!!” and later became a veterinarian.