Dr. Danielle Spencer

Dr. Danielle Luise Spencer, 60, of Bon Air, Virginia, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, VA, with her devoted mother, Cheryl Pelt, and beloved brother, jazz musician Jeremy Pelt, by her side. Born on June 24, 1965, in the Bronx, New York, Dr. Spencer was Cheryl Pelt's first born child. She attended Malibu Junior High School, International School Of The Ivory Coast, and Beverly Hills High School. At just 10 years old, Dr. Spencer was cast in the iconic role of “Dee Thomas” on the hit sitcom What’s Happening!!(1976–1979). As “Dee,” she was the personification of the typical bratty yet lovable little sister on ABC’s hit show, which centered around teenagers and their antics while growing up in the inner city of Los Angeles. The role of “Dee Thomas” became an American household name, and her character was most notably remembered for her sharp wit and wisecracking banter — especially her unforgettable line, “Oooh, I’m gonna tell Mama.” Dr. Spencer has the historic distinction of being the first Black female child to star regularly in a network television series. Her groundbreaking role is honored and exhibited at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., where her legacy is preserved for future generations. Her career in entertainment extended beyond What’s Happening!! and its spinoff What’s Happening Now!! (1985–1988). She appeared in numerous television programs and films, including The Brady Bunch Special (1977), Christmas at Walt Disney World (1978), The Tap Dance Kid (1978), Soul Train (1987), Days of Our Lives (2001), As Good As It Gets (1997), and Peter Rabbit and the Crucifix (2001). She was also honored at the TV Land Awards in 2006 as television’s “brattiest kid,” a distinction she embraced with joy. In 1977, Dr. Spencer was critically injured in a tragic car accident that claimed the life of her stepfather actor, Tim Pelt. Though she endured a three-week coma and extensive injuries, she demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience throughout her recovery. Despite lifelong health challenges stemming from the accident, she refused to let adversity define her. In 1979, Dr. Spencer’s family moved to the Ivory Coast for healing. Encouraged by her late stepfather’s support and driven to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian, the family moved back to the United States. Dr. Spencer began her studies at the University of California, UC Davis, completing part of her pre-veterinary coursework. She later transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She went on to Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama, where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1993. For more than 25 years, Dr. Spencer dedicated herself to caring for animals as a licensed veterinarian, fulfilling the dream her stepfather had inspired. Her story of perseverance was chronicled in her 2011 autobiography, Through the Fire… Journal of a Child Star, which she co-authored with her mother, Cheryl Pelt. The book candidly shared her journey of survival, resilience, and hope, offering readers a powerful glimpse into her determination and faith. She also faced and overcame breast cancer in 2014, continuing to inspire countless others with her optimism and courage. Beyond her acting and veterinary work, Dr. Spencer supported Young People for Young People, a nonprofit organization co-founded by her mother, Cheryl Pelt and her brother Jeremy Pelt. The organization produced a cable-TV program for youth called Listen Up!which aired between 1988 and 1990. The program fostered teen discussions on pressing social issues such as racial tension, gangs, and drugs, while also raising funds for self-esteem seminars and academic enrichment programs. In recent years, Dr. Spencer expanded her creative legacy by launching “Forever Danielle,” a line of scented candles, and by starring in Jeremy Cormier’s stage play Even A Good Man Is Tempted. Dr. Spencer will be remembered as an icon who overcame extraordinary challenges with grace and determination. Her legacy as a child star, accomplished veterinarian, author, humanitarian, and survivor will live on in history and in the hearts of many. She is survived by her devoted mother, Cheryl Pelt; her brother, world renowned internationally acclaimed jazz musician Jeremy Pelt; treasured nephew, Milo Pelt, her cherished nieces, Charlie Pelt and Amma Pelt, her aunt Audrey Gaul, her god mother Rosalind Mphalele, cousins, Karen Jones, Gordon Kenney, Krystal Kim, George and Pat Haskins, Johnny and Delores McQuinn, and a host of beloved cousins in New York and Virginia. She also leaves behind countless family members, friends, colleagues, and admirers whose lives were enriched by her warmth, humor, and resilience. We honor the ancestors that preceded in death before her. They include her grandparents Hayward and Marion Smith and Aunt June Kim. “I’ve been through the fire, but I came out stronger. Every challenge I faced was a step toward the woman I was meant to be.” – Dr. Danielle Luise Spencer Memorial service arrangements are under the direction of March Funeral Home, Laburnum Chapel. For those interested in sending flowers, please do so at: March Funeral Home, 2110 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222. In lieu of flowers, the family will accept donations supporting cancer research and animal welfare. Checks can be made payable to March Funeral Home c/o "Marlow Waller" and mailed to: March Funeral Home, 2110 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222

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Dr. Danielle Spencer

June 24, 1965 - August 11, 2025