‘What’s Happening’ Alum Ernest Lee Thomas Breaks Silence on Danielle Spencer’s Death
Added on August 13, 2025 inUncategorized
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What’s up! Actor Ernest Lee Thomas posted a loving tribute following the death of his ‘sister’ Danielle Spencer at age 60. On August 13, the ’70s sitcom star posted a throwback photo on Instagram of him and Spencer together at a film festival. Spencer posed on crutches and in a glamorous gown.
”No more suffering’ for my little sister, Dr. Danielle Spencer,’ Thomas, 76, wrote in the caption. ‘At age 9, she decided I would be her big brother for life. A month ago, I arranged for her to move to Los Angeles. A mutual friend, Darren Dill, would give her the master bedroom, and a retired Christian couple, also close friends, Kirk and Lois Roberts, would care for her. But she wanted to wait until her wounds healed.’
Thomas revealed that he was deeply moved to learn of Spencer’s passing on August 11.
‘Last night I received word from Haywood Nelson that Danielle’s mother had announced her passing,’ he wrote. ‘My body tensed and hardened as if extremely heavy, and waves of emotion washed over me. I am so glad I was with her mother and brother when she transitioned. I thank God for giving me 49 years of supernatural friendship, millions of laughs, countless days of worshipping our Savior Jesus Christ. Grateful, but full of tears. 2 Corinthians 5:8 ‘ABSOLUTELY ABSENT FROM THE BODY WHICH IS PRESENT WITH THE LORD.’
From 1979 to 1980, Thomas played Raj Thomas on What’s Going On?, while Spencer played his younger sister, Dee, on the original sitcom for three seasons. Spencer, whose catchphrase was ‘Oh, I’ll tell Mom!’, also had a recurring role on the What’s Happening Now spin-off from 1985 to 1987.
Danielle Spencer struggled with medical issues for much of her life.
At age 12, Spencer was critically ill. She was injured in a car accident during the first season of What’s Happening!!. She was left with lifelong spinal and neurological problems, and her ability to walk was affected for years.
In 1993, Spencer earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama, according to her official website.
Spencer’s death was first announced on Instagram by her co-star Haywood Nelson, who played family friend Duane on What’s Happening!!.
In a heartfelt tribute, Nelson (65) shared that Spencer died of cancer. ‘We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, ‘What’s Happening’ cast member, veterinarian, animal rights activist, healer, and cancer hero. Our hero,’ Nelson wrote. ‘Danielle is loved. We will miss her in this form and hold her forever.’
Thomas and Nelson are now the last surviving protagonists of What’s Going On!
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