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.

The announcement of Spencer’s death was shared via Nelson’s unverified Instagram account. It read, in part, “We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, What’s Happening cast member, veterinarian animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine. Our Shero. Danielle is loved. She will be missed in this form and forever embraced.”

Below, learn about Spencer’s life, career and death.

Who Was Danielle Spencer?

Spencer was a child actor

See Full Page