What’s Happening!! star Ernest Lee Thomas posted a loving tribute following his “sister” Danielle Spencer’s death at age 60. On Aug. 13, the ’70s sitcom star posted a throwback photo to Instagram that showed him with Spencer at a film festival together.

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.