Dee From ‘What’s Happening’ Undergoes Emergency Brain Surgery

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty

Dr. Danielle Spencer, known for her role as “Dee” on the 1970s sitcom What’s Happening, is recovering from emergency brain surgery on a bleeding hematoma. 

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Over 40 years ago, the child star and her stepfather (actor Tim Pelt) got into a car accident that resulted in his death and her 3-week coma and other critical injuries that included a broken leg, arm and pelvis. Recent headaches linked to the decades-old accident wouldn’t go away and caused her to go unconscious. After careful examining and quick action, doctors went in to rectify the problem after determining her condition was tied to a bleeding hematoma she suffered.

SEE ALSO: What Is A Hematoma? 

Spencer is recovering, but there’s no word on the estimated time of healing as she also suffered breast cancer and spinal injury in the past. The combination of past health issues raises a red flag on her road to recovery but family and friends are hopeful for her fight. 

Since becoming the first black female child to regularly star in a TV series and after having to learn how to walk again after the tragic car accident as a kid, Spencer went on to continue acting, practice veterinary medicine and write a book. 

Our thoughts are with her in this time of recovery. Her family’s accepting donations on her behalf here on GoFundMe.com. 

Take a look back at some of “Dee’s” wittiest moments on What’s Happening below!

READ MORE STORIES ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM:

• Porsha Williams Joins Season 2 of NBC’s “Brilliant Minds” as a wealthy, gossip-loving Housewife
• Trump is building a Lavish $200m gold ballroom in the White House
• #TheChi Season Finale Exclusive Clip: Tiff’s Having Her Baby & Alicia’s After Nuck