Irene Cara, singer, songwriter, and actress from “Flashdance” and “Fame” has died at the age of 63.
Cara passed away in her Florida home Friday, according to her rep. The reasons for her death have not yet been released. Her rep released a statement saying, “It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara. Irene’s family has requested privacy as they process their grief. She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.”
Irene Cara sang and co-wrote the song, “Flashdance…What A Feeling” from the movie Flashdance. She won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award For Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Cara will always be remembered for her role as Coco Hernandez in the 1980 film, Fame.
Irene was born in New York City, the youngest of five children. Her father was a factory worker and retired saxophonist Puerto Rican and her mother a movie theater usher was Cuban-American. She was the first Hispanic-black woman to win an Oscar in a category other than an acting category, as well as the second to be nominated outside an acting category.
Several celebrities have voiced their deepest condolences about the passing of Cara like Eric Alper, Holly Robinson Peete, and her dear friend Debbie Allen.
My Heart Is Broken. 💔#IreneCara was such a gifted and beautiful genius. Her talent and her music will LIVE FOREVER! FOREVER REMEMBER HER NAME! 😢❤️ #FAME pic.twitter.com/ZUnOfGngFT
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) November 26, 2022
Her accomplishments were many and her impact on the music and acting world will never be forgotten. Rest In Paradise Irene. You will be missed.
