Her publicist announced that Irene Cara, an Oscar- and Grammy-winning actress and singer, has passed away. She was best known for her theme songs to “Fame” (in the early 1980s) and “Flashdance”. She was 63.
In a tweet announcing the death of the singer, Judith Moose wrote: “Please share your thoughts or memories about Irene.” “I will be reading every single one and I know she’ll smile from Heaven. She loved her fans.
“She was a brilliantly gifted soul whose legacy will be forever preserved through her music and films.”
Cara died at her Florida home. According to Moose, the cause of death was not known.
Cara was a young actress who appeared on “Electric Company” as a teenager. She then starred in “Aaron Loves Angela”, and “Sparkle” as a teen.
Coco Hernandez, New York’s High School for the Performing Arts, was her breakthrough role. She had two hits with that movie’s title track and “Out Here on My Own,” and was nominated for two Grammys and a Golden Globe.
Three years later, Cara wrote the lyrics to “Flashdance…What a Feeling”, another radio hit for which she won an Oscar for Best Original Song, and a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female.
Other hits included “Why Me” (with Burt Reynolds) and “Breakdance” (with Clint Eastwood). She also appeared in “City Heat” and “D.C.” Cab” with Mr. T, and “Certain Fury,” with Tatum O’Neal.
