View gallery Image Credit: Getty Images 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. The announcement of Spencer's death was shared via Nelson's unverified Instagram account.