'What's Happening!!' child TV star Danielle Spencer dies at 60

Child star Danielle Spencer, who starred in the 1970s comedy TV series “What’s Happening!!,” has died at 60.

Child star Danielle Spencer, who portrayed Dee Thomas on the 1970s comedy TV series “What’s Happening!!,” has died at 60, according to former co-star and friend Haywood Nelson.

In an Instagram post, Nelson said Spencer died Monday in Virginia. Family spokesperson Sandra Jones confirmed to the Associated Press that Spencer died after a yearslong battle with cancer.

Actress Danielle Spencer circa 1977 in Los Angeles, California.Michael Ochs Archives / Getty ImagesNelson told NBCLA Tuesday that he spoke with Spencer’s mother, who confirmed she had died. He described Spencer as a “brilliant person who loved animals” and moved on from acting to become a veterinarian. Nelson, who played Dwayne as Spencer’s “What’s Happening!!“ co-star, told NBCLA he spoke to her about a week ago and marveled at her positivity and optimism.

From left, Fred 'Rerun' Berry, Haywood Nelson, Danielle Spencer and Ernest Thomas, on set for "What's Happening!!" in 1979 in Los Angeles, California.Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images“Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior, without fail, has finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body,” Nelson said in his Instagram post. “We celebrate Danielle Spencer and her contributions as we regret to inform her departure and transition from a long battle with cancer.”

Spencer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and underwent emergency surgery for brain bleed in 2018.