Danielle Spencer, an American actress and veterinarian, is best known for her role as Dee Thomas on the iconic sitcom What’s Happening!! Her journey from a child star to a dedicated veterinarian is one of resilience, transformation, and a lifelong commitment to making a difference. Born on June 24, 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey, Spencer’s life has been marked by both triumphs and challenges that have shaped her into an inspiring figure.
Table of Contents
Who is Danielle Spencer
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 59 years |
| Family | Cheryl Pelt (mother) and Tim Pelt (step-father) |
| Sitcom | What’s Happening!! |
| Husband | Garry Fields (1999 – 2013) |
| Book | Through The Fire… Journal of a Child Star |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches tall |
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Danielle Spencer Age, Family, Early Life and Acting Career
Danielle Spencer is 59 years old, born to Cheryl Pelt, a writer, who raised her after divorcing her husband when Danielle was an infant. Her mother later married Tim Pelt, whom Danielle considered her father. The family relocated to the Bronx, New York, where Danielle began taking acting classes at the age of eight.
Her natural talent quickly caught the attention of casting directors. In 1976, at just 11 years old, Spencer landed the role of Dee Thomas on ABC’s What’s Happening!!. The show, based on the film Cooley High, was initially a summer replacement, but it did so well that a full season was ordered.
The show became a cultural touchstone, with Spencer’s portrayal of the sassy and quick-witted younger sister earning her widespread recognition. The series ran until 1979 and was later revived as What’s Happening Now!! in 1985, where she reprised her role while pursuing her education.
A Life-Altering Tragedy (car accident)
Spencer’s life took a dramatic turn in September 6, 1977 during the production of the second season of What’s Happening!! She and her stepfather were involved in a devastating car accident. Tim Pelt tragically lost his life while shielding Danielle during the crash.
Spencer was left in a coma for three weeks and spent six months recovering from severe injuries. This experience profoundly impacted her perspective on life and inspired her eventual career in veterinary medicine.
Later Career (Transition to Veterinary Medicine)
After What’s Happening!! was canceled in 1979, Spencer and her mother moved to Africa for a period of time. She briefly stepped away from acting to focus on her education. Upon returning to the United States, Spencer attended the University of California-Davis to earn a degree in veterinary medicine, a career path that her stepfather had encouraged her to pursue due to his passion for animals.
She briefly attended the University for two years and went back to participate in the sequel of What’s Happening, What’s Happening Now in 1985. Spencer continued to play Dee in a few episodes of What’s Happening Now!! while attending university. In 1988, Spencer attended Tuskegee University Veterinary School in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Despite balancing occasional acting roles with rigorous academic demands, she achieved her dream of becoming a veterinarian in 1996. Spencer’s work as a veterinarian has been deeply influenced by her personal struggles with spinal injuries resulting from the 1977 car accident. Diagnosed with spinal stenosis in 2004 and temporarily paralyzed after corrective surgery, she developed a unique empathy for animals experiencing pain.
This led her to adopt a holistic approach to veterinary care, focusing on identifying root causes rather than merely addressing symptoms.
Return to Acting and Continued Advocacy
Though Spencer considers herself semi-retired from show business, she occasionally returns to acting. Notably, she portrayed a veterinarian in the 1997 film As Good as It Gets and appeared in Peter Rabbit and the Crucifix (2001). She also authored an autobiography titled Through the Fire: Journal of a Child Star, which chronicles her experiences as a young actress and the challenges she faced.
In addition to acting and veterinary work, Spencer has become an advocate for spinal injury awareness and animal welfare. Her story has been featured on programs like The Wendy Williams Show and TV One’s Unsung Hollywood, inspiring audiences with her resilience.
Legacy and Recognition
Spencer’s contributions to entertainment and veterinary medicine have earned her numerous accolades. In 2014, she was inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture—the only former child actor to receive this honor. She also received the “Character Most in Need of a Time-Out” award at the TV Land Awards alongside Alison Arngrim from Little House on the Prairie.
Today, Spencer practices veterinary medicine in Richmond, Virginia, where she also shares insights on animal care through media appearances. Her dedication to helping animals is matched only by her commitment to inspiring others through her remarkable life story.
Danielle Spencer Husband: Garry Fields
Danielle Spencer married Garry Fields, a marketing manager who also served as her publicist and manager, in 1999. The wedding took place in Marina Del Rey, California. The couple divorced in 2013 after 14 years of marriage.
The couple did not have children together but were pet parents to several animals, reflecting Spencer’s passion for veterinary care. Danielle Spencer resides in Southern California, where she runs her own veterinary practice. She has been a successful veterinarian for over 25 years.
Danielle Spencer Net Worth
As of 2025, Danielle Spencer’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million. This figure reflects her earnings primarily from her acting career and her veterinary practice. While she gained fame as a child actress in the late 1970s and 1980s, her financial success has been more modest compared to some of her contemporaries in Hollywood.
Danielle Spencer Salary in 2025
Spencer’s salary as a veterinarian varies based on her practice and location. Veterinarians in California typically earn between $80,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience and the type of practice. Given Spencer’s extensive experience of over 25 years in the field, it is likely that she earns towards the higher end of this spectrum. Additionally, any income from occasional acting roles would supplement her earnings.
Business and Investments
While specific details about Danielle Spencer’s investments are not widely publicized, she has diversified her interests beyond acting and veterinary medicine. She launched a fashion line called the “Dani Collection,” showcasing her creative side and entrepreneurial spirit. Her book Through the Fire: Journal of a Child Star also contributes to her portfolio by providing insights into her life experiences.
Lifestyle
Danielle Spencer maintains a relatively private lifestyle. After facing significant health challenges, including a spinal injury from a car accident in 1977 and a subsequent battle with breast cancer diagnosed in 2014, she has shifted her focus towards wellness and animal care. She continues to work as a veterinarian at Saugus Animal Hospital in Santa Clarita, California.
Her experiences have shaped her approach to veterinary medicine, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying causes of animal health issues rather than merely treating symptoms. Spencer’s lifestyle also includes advocacy for breast cancer awareness and support for fellow survivors. Her journey has been documented through various media appearances and her book Through the Fire: Journal of a Child Star, which recounts her experiences as a child actress and the challenges she faced throughout her life.
FAQs About Danielle Spencer
Is Danielle Spencer paralyzed?
Danielle has experienced significant health challenges related to a 1977 car accident. In 2004, symptoms from the accident resurfaced, leading to near-paralysis for about eight months. During this time, she had to undergo rehabilitation to learn how to walk again.
Although she has not been permanently paralyzed, she often relies on crutches for mobility due to ongoing spinal issues.
Is Danielle Spencer alive?
Yes, Danielle Spencer, the American actress known for her role as Dee Thomas in “What’s Happening!!,” is alive.
How old is Danielle Spencer?
59 years
Where is Danielle Spencer today?
Danielle is currently residing in Richmond, Virginia. After practicing as a veterinarian in California for over 25 years, she relocated to Virginia, where she continues to work as a veterinarian and occasionally shares her expertise on local television shows like “Virginia This Morning” on WTVR CBS 6.
What happened to Danielle Spencer?
In 1977, Spencer was involved in a severe car accident that left her in a coma for three weeks and killed her stepfather. This accident significantly impacted her life and later led to health issues, including spinal stenosis and periods of near-paralysis.
Is Danielle Spencer married?
She is currently not married. Danielle was married to Garry Fields from 1999 until their divorce in 2013.
What is Danielle Spencer doing now?
She is currently residing in Richmond, Virginia. She continues to work as a veterinarian and occasionally shares her expertise on local television shows like “Virginia This Morning” on WTVR CBS 6. She also serves as a motivational speaker, sharing her experiences as a child star and her journey to overcoming health challenges.