She played a witty teenager on one of the first American television shows that centered on young Black people.

Danielle Spencer, the former child star from the 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!! died, her co-star Haywood Nelson announced on August 12, 2025. Spencer was 60 years old. The late actor-turned-veterinarian was battling a form of cancer during the end of her life, and fans are wondering what her cause of death since Spencer was only 60.

Danielle Spencer, child star of "What's Happening!!" has died at 60 after a battle with cancer, though an official cause of death has not been announced.