Dr. Danielle Spencer-David, a Richmond Veterinarian and Star of What’s Happening!!, Dies at 60

August 19, 2025

Dr. Danielle Spencer-David, best known for her role as Dee Thomas in the 1970s sitcom "What's Happening!! ", passed away in Richmond on Tuesday after battling breast cancer for a year. After her successful acting career, Spencer-David transitioned to veterinary medicine, graduating from Tuskegee University Veterinary School in 1996 and eventually settling in Richmond, Virginia in 2014.

Who is affected

Family members and relatives (including cousin James JJ Minor)
Friends and fans of Dr. Spencer-David
The television and entertainment community
The veterinary community in Richmond
Members of Delta Sigma Theta sorority
The African American cultural community

What action is being taken

Public figures are issuing statements mourning her loss, including Virginia House of Delegates member Delores McQuinn and James JJ Minor, President of Richmond VA Branch NAACP
Former co-stars like Haywood Nelson are posting tributes on social media
Her death and contributions are being publicly acknowledged

Why it matters

Spencer-David represented a successful transition from child stardom to a respected professional career
She was historically significant as the only former child actor honored with a permanent exhibition at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
She was a multifaceted public figure who contributed to entertainment, veterinary medicine, and community activism
Her character on "What's Happening!!" was culturally significant in 1970s television representation

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint