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.

Pelt’s interview with TMZ revealed that Spencer was “talking and alert” while family was visiting her in the hospital this past weekend. Spencer experienced a “code blue,” according to her mom, and was transferred to the ICU. Pelt said that Spencer died of cardiac arrest and gastric cancer.