Danielle Spencer, best known for her role as Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom "What's Happening!!," has passed away at the age of 60 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Spencer portrayed Dee, the sharp-witted younger sister known for her deadpan humor and the catchphrase "Ooh, I'm gonna tell mama." The sitcom, depicting the lives of Black teenagers in Los Angeles, aired from 1976 to 1979 and was inspired by the film "Cooley High."

Born on June 24, 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey, Spencer began her acting career at a young age. At 12, during the show's first season, she survived a tragic car crash that left her in a coma and resulted in long-term health issues, including spinal complications. Despite these challenges, she continued her acting career, appearing in the show's reboot, "What's Happening Now!!," during the 1980s.

Beyond acting, Spencer pursued a career in veterinary medicine. She earned her veterinary doctorate from Tuskegee University in 1993 and held degrees from both UC Davis and UCLA. She also made a cameo in the 1997 film "As Good as it Gets" as a veterinarian.

In 2014, Spencer was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. She also had emergency surgery in 2018 for a brain bleed. Despite these health challenges, she remained active in her veterinary practice and continued to advocate for animal rights.

Spencer's passing has been mourned by fans and colleagues alike. Former "What's Happening!!" co-star Haywood Nelson paid tribute to her on Instagram, describing her as a "brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior" and expressing that she will be "forever embraced."

Danielle Spencer's legacy as an actress and veterinarian continues to inspire many. Her contributions to television and animal welfare have left a lasting impact on both industries.