Museum object · Photographs and Still Images
Photograph of Danielle Spencer and Ernest Thomas in "What's Happening!!"
1976
United States, North and Central America
Source catalog description
This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.
A color photograph of Danielle Spencer as the character “Dee” and Ernest Thomas as the character “Raj” in a scene from pilot episode of the sitcom “What’s Happening!!” The two actors are depicted from the waist up, standing facing each other near the front door of the show’s living room set. Spencer, on the left in a yellow printed top, stands with her palm out towards Thomas, on the right, in a shirt with a red, white, and blue pattern. His hands are folded in front of him, and he is looking back at Spencer. There is a black telephone on a table in the foreground on the proper right side of the image. The background features patterned wallpaper, curtains, light fixtures, a clock, a doorway, and several hanging picture frames. The print has no marks or inscriptions, front or back.
Explore Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture ↗
Sources & collection details
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗
Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13
Catalog reference: 2014.111.5.3
Continue exploring Series 1
Arts, Music & Culture →Everyday Life & Community →
Explore all Series 1 cards →