Danielle Spencer had two uncredited roles under her belt before snagging the part of Dee Mitchell on What’s Happening!! In the 1976 series, which is loosely based on the 1975 classic film Cooley High, Dee was Raj’s observant little sister who would “tell mama” if he did anything wrong.
She played a character many fans of the show knew too well, and became everyone’s little sister. However, beyond her one-of-a-kind role, Spencer was a veterinarian, obtaining her bachelor’s in marine biology from UCLA and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University.
Spencer was also an author who released a memoir, Through the Fire: Journal of a Child Star. As we continue to remember her strength, achievements, and overall life, here are four of the best Dee moments from What’s Happening!!
In the very first episode “The Runaway,” Dee goes missing.
Season 1, Episode 1: Raj is in charge of babysitting Dee after Mama (Mabel King) gets called into work, but he would rather be at a party with Dwayne and Rerun. So what idea does the teen come up with? He hires their elderly neighbor, Millie, to watch Dee. When Mama returns home, she sees Millie sleeping and takes Dee with her. Raj eventually comes back and thinks Dee ran away.
Dee becomes the Burger Queen
Season 1, Episode 6: Move over, Burger King! There was a new member of burger royalty in town, and her name was Dee Thomas. Mama is visiting a relative, so Dee and Raj are by themselves. When Rerun has dreams of becoming a spokesperson for a hamburger chain, his aspirations are dashed when Raj enters Dee in the audition.
Invasion of privacy equals teach Dee a lesson
Season 1, Episode 19: If there’s one thing Dee knows how to do, it’s snoop around and be all in Raj’s business. In this episode, she gets her hands on her brother’s journal. So Raj decides to teach her a lesson; he and Mama trick her into thinking he’s sick.
Dee is dating, and Raj has eyes on her boyfriend’s sister
Season 2, Episode 15: Dee goes on her first date with a guy who watches too much television and makes up stories. Raj tries to butter him up because he has heart eyes for the guy’s older sister.
Image credit: What’s Happening!!
