Danielle Spencer

Spencer married Garry Fields, a marketing manager, at the Marina Marriott in Marina Del Rey, California in 1999. Her husband also works as publicist and manager for his wife. Spencer and Garry Fields divorced in 2013 and he is now married to Sherry Fields as of June 13, 2019. She had been working as a veterinarian for more than ten years when in 2004 after experiencing balance and chronic pain issues she was diagnosed with spinal stenosis due to the injuries she received in the car accident in 1977. A surgery to correct the problem left her partially paralyzed for eight months. Spencer left Los Angeles to receive treatment at The Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey, (the same facility that treated actor Christopher Reeve). She credits the institute for giving her her life back.

In 2014, Spencer was inducted by the Smithsonian Museum as part of the permanent exhibition of the African-American cultural museum. She is the only former child actor who holds this honor. She also became involved in fashion design and debuted her creation "The Dani Collection" patterned after her own style of dress.

Spencer was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2014. Speaking out for Breast Cancer Awareness month, Spencer told BlackAmericaWeb that her diagnosis took her by surprise. "With everything that I've been through with the spinal cord injury, I said I know God is not going to give me another affliction," she said, "so I was completely shocked when the doctors told me." Though the news came as a surprise, Spencer said the disease runs in her family. "I have a lot of help and support around me," she said. As of the interview's publish date in October 2014, Spencer stated she was considering her treatment options, with surgery at the top of the list. "I'm trying to get as many opinions as possible but it does look like that is what I’m going to do," she said. "Hopefully after that there won’t be any chemotherapy or radiation involved."

Spencer makes appearances as a motivational speaker. She told Ebony Magazine in 2012, "I’ve made peace with the fact that surgeries, back pain and walking with crutches will be part of my life forever. Some days are good, some days are difficult. Yet, despite the challenges, there are reasons to celebrate. My life includes volunteering with a charity that feeds the homeless; providing care for animals through my work as a vet.

The cast of What's Happening!! were honored at the 2006 TV Land Awards where Danielle Spencer tied with Little House on the Prairie actress Alison Arngrim as the recipient for the "Character Most In Need Of A Time-Out" award.

Spencer considers herself to be in semi-retirement from show business, but still acts occasionally. In 1997, she portrayed a veterinarian in the hit film As Good as It Gets as well as appearing in Peter Rabbit and the Crucifix in 2001. She continues to act in small roles in film and television when it does not conflict with her veterinary practice.

After the cancellation of the show in 1979, Spencer and her mother relocated to Africa for a time. Upon her return she attended the University of California-Davis to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine, a pursuit that was encouraged by her late stepfather. During this time What's Happening!! had been in syndication for a number of years. Repeats of the show's 65 episodes did well in syndication and in some markets the show actually had higher ratings in syndication than during the network run. In 1985, a sequel to the show was created called What's Happening Now!!. Spencer went on to participate in the revival of her character Dee, appearing in various episodes over the sequel's run for three seasons while attending college. While matriculating her sophomore year, Danielle pledged and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. After the show was canceled in 1988 Spencer attended Tuskegee University Veterinary School, in Tuskegee, Alabama. She became a veterinarian in 1996.

On September 7, 1977, during the second season of the show, Spencer and Tim Pelt were in a severe car accident that left Spencer in a coma for three weeks and killed her stepfather. Tim Pelt's injuries were caused by trying to protect Spencer during the crash. Spencer has no memories of the accident and spent six months recuperating in arm and leg casts.

Spencer was born in Trenton, New Jersey, to writer Cheryl Pelt. Spencer's parents separated when she was very young. Her mother eventually married actor Tim Pelt, whom Spencer considered to be her father. Soon after the family relocated to the Bronx, New York. Spencer became an actor around the age of 8 and began taking acting classes. In 1976, Spencer was chosen to co-star as younger sister "Dee Thomas" in the show What's Happening!! which was loosely based on the film Cooley High. The show was a summer mid-season replacement, but performed so well in its time slot that a full second season was ordered.

Danielle Spencer (born June 24, 1965) is an American actress and former child star best known for her role as Dee Thomas on the ABC sitcom What's Happening!!, which ran from 1976 to 1979. She would later reprise the role on the series' sequel, What's Happening Now!!