<P> Spencer was born in Trenton, New Jersey to writer Cheryl Pelt . Spencer's parents separated when she was very young . Her mother eventually married actor Tim Pelt, whom Spencer considered to be her father . Soon after the family relocated to the Bronx, New York . Spencer became an actor around the age of 8 and began taking acting classes . In 1976, Spencer was chosen to co-star as younger sister "Dee Thomas" in the show What's Happening!! which was loosely based on the film Cooley High . The show was a summer mid-season replacement, but performed so well in its time slot that a full second season was ordered . </P> <P> On September 7, 1977, during the second season of the show, Spencer and Tim Pelt were in a severe car accident that left Spencer in a coma for three weeks and killed her stepfather . Tim Pelt's injuries were caused by trying to protect Spencer during the crash . Spencer has no memories of the accident and spent six months recuperating in arm and leg casts . </P> <P> After the cancellation of the show in 1979, Spencer and her mother relocated to Africa for a time . Upon her return she attended the University of California - Davis to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine, a pursuit that was encouraged by her late stepfather . During this time What's Happening!! had been in syndication for a number of years . Repeats of the show's 65 episodes did reasonably well in syndication and in some markets the show actually had higher ratings in syndication than during the network run . In 1985, a sequel to the show was created called What's Happening Now!! . Spencer went on to participate in the revival of her character, Dee, for three seasons while still attending college . While matriculating her sophomore year, Danielle pledged and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority . After the show was canceled in 1988 Spencer attended Tuskegee University Veterinary School, in Tuskegee, Alabama . She became a veterinarian in 1996 . </P> <P> Dr. Spencer considers herself to be in semi-retirement from show business, but still acts occasionally . In 1997, she portrayed a veterinarian in the hit film As Good as It Gets as well as appearing in Peter Rabbit and the Crucifix in 2001 . She continues to act in small roles in film and television when it does not conflict with her veterinary practice . </P>

Where's the cast of what's happening