Child star Danielle Spencer, who portrayed Dee Thomas on the 1970s comedy TV series "What's Happening!!," has died at 60, according to former co-star and friend Haywood Nelson.

In an Instagram post , Nelson said Spencer died Monday in Virginia. Family spokesperson Sandra Jones confirmed to the Associated Press that Spencer died after a yearslong battle with cancer.

Nelson told NBCLA Tuesday that he spoke with Spencer's mother, who confirmed she had died. He described Spencer as a "brilliant person who loved animals" and moved on from acting to become a veterinarian. Nelson, who played Dwayne as Spencer's " What's Happening!! " co-star, told NBCLA he spoke to her about a week ago and marveled at her positivity and optimism.

"Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior

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