Last Updated on: 14th August 2025, 04:30 pm
Who was Danielle Spencer (What’s Happening Star)? Biography, Wiki
Danielle Spencer, forever remembered as sharp-tongued “Dee” from the 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!, lived a life of resilience. She transitioned from child stardom to veterinary medicine, battling health challenges with quiet strength until her passing at 60.
Danielle Spencer Age
Born on June 24, 1965, in Trenton, NJ, the age of Danielle Spencer was 60 years old when she passed away. She died on August 11, 2025 at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond.
Short Bio And Some Quick Facts
Complete Real Name | Danielle Louise Spencer |
Nickname | Dee |
Date of Birth | June 24, 1965 |
Date of Death | August 11, 2025 |
Age (At time of death) | 60 years |
Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
Place of Birth | Trenton, New Jersey, USA |
Place of Residence | Richmond, Virginia |
Parents | Cheryl Pelt (Mother) |
Sibling | Jeremy Pelt (Brother) |
Education | Veterinary Doctorate |
Institute | Tuskegee University |
Occupation | Actress, Veterinarian, Author |
Relationship Status | Married |
Ex-Husband | Garry Fields (d.2013) |
Husband | David L. David (m.2014) |
Children | No |
Religion | {Update Soon} |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Mixed |
Height | 5 feet 7 inches |
Weight | 55 kg |
Eye color | Black |
Hair color | Black |
Net Worth (At time of death) | Approximately $1.2 million |
Category | Biography |
Education
The educational background of Danielle Spencer included studying medicine at University of California, Davis (attending briefly in 1983), and earning her veterinary doctorate from Tuskegee University in 1993. Her stepfather’s death inspired her medical studies.
Family
The family of Danielle Spencer are mother Cheryl Pelt (a French teacher), stepfather Tim Pelt (died 1977), and brother Jeremy Pelt. Her siblings included Jeremy, who called her his “protector.”
Husband
Danielle Spencer husband was marketing manager Garry Fields (married 1999–2013). Later, she wed entrepreneur David L. David (2014). Was Danielle Spencer married? Yes, two times but she didn’t have any children.
Career

The career of Danielle Spencer started at the age of 7. After What’s Happening!!, she became a veterinarian (1996), practiced 22 years, and hosted pet-care TV segments. She briefly returned to acting in 1997’s As Good As It Gets.
Movies and TV Shows
The movies and TV shows of Danielle Spencer were:
Role | Title | Years |
---|---|---|
Dee Thomas | What’s Happening!! | 1976–1979 |
Dee Thomas | What’s Happening Now!! | 1985–1988 |
Veterinarian | As Good As It Gets | 1997 |
Salem Place Vendor | Days of Our Lives | 2001 |
News of her death had viewers mourning “Dee from what’s happening died.”
Cause of Death
Danielle Spencer’s cause of death was Gastric cancer and cardiac arrest (August 11, 2025). She fought breast cancer since 2014, with later complications including pneumonia and sepsis.
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Religion
The religious details of Danielle Spencer was not publicly documented.
Ethnicity and Nationality
Danielle Spencer’s ethnicity was mixed (African-American) and she held American nationality.
Height and Weight
How tall was Danielle Spencer? She stood 5’7” (170 cm) and weighed around 55 kg (121 lbs).
Net Worth
Danielle Spencer’s net worth was approximately $1.2 million (2025) from acting, veterinary work, and her memoir Through the Fire.
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Social Media Handles
All the mentioned below are the social media handles of an American actress Danielle Spencer:
Homepage | www.theeducationisthub.com |
www.instagram.com/officialdaniellespencer | |
X (Formerly Twitter) | {Update Soon} |
www.facebook.com/DrDanielleSpencer |

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