Danielle Spencer, the former child star who played Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!, has died at the age of 60. Her career spanned acting and veterinary medicine, and she became a familiar face to audiences for her sharp wit and memorable catchphrase.

Danielle Spencer, who played the precocious youngster Dee Thomas on the 1970s ABC sitcom What’s Happening!!, has died. She was 60. Spencer died Monday in a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, her What’s Happening!! so-star Haywood Nelson told The Hollywood Reporter .

A family spokesperson said Spencer died Monday after battling cancer for several years. As Dee, she was a deadpan, wisecracking sister on What's Happening!! Spencer later became a veterinarian.