Irene Cara is a Grammy- and Oscar-winning actress and singer. She’s best known for her classic title songs. “Fame” “Flashdance,” She died. She was 63.
On Twitter Saturday, Cara’s publicist, Judith Moose, broke the news that Cara died Friday at her Florida home. “She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films,” Moose wrote.
“This is the absolute worst part of being a publicist. I can’t believe I’ve had to write this, let alone release the news,” Moose continued. “Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I’ll be reading each and every one of them and know she’ll be smiling from Heaven. She adored her fans.”
Cara, the youngest child of five siblings, was born to an Afro Puerto Rican mother and a Cuban American father in New York City’s Bronx. She began her career as a professional singer and dancer on Spanish-language television. On television, she was a regular. “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and was a regular on the PBS educational children’s show, “The Electric Company.”
Although Cara’s credits are lengthy, also starring in 1976’s “Sparkle,” Her own NBC pilot “Irene,” and 1992’s “Beauty and the Beast,” Her role in Coco Hernandez’s 1980 movie was the one that made her a star. “Fame” About a New York City high school for performing arts. Cara sang the movie’s title song and “Out Here on My Own.” The film’s soundtrack reached the top of the charts. It was also historic at the Oscars: two songs from one film were included in the same category, and they were both sung by the exact same artist.
Three years later, Cara was back in the limelight, receiving the Oscar for Best Original Song, and the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. She co-wrote the song and also sang it. “Flashdance…What a Feeling.”
In response to Cara’s death, many took to social media with tributes.
“May her family, friends and fans find comfort in her memory, and may her legacy continue to inspire,” Marsha Warfield, comedian wrote.
Deborah Cox, singer tweeted “Irene Cara is who inspired me growing up to be a ‘triple threat’ ….that you could not only have hit records but I have a hit tv show and slay…..a bright light for the culture. Irene Cara remember her name.”
Eric Adams, New York City’s Mayor, also paid tribute on social media to Cara. “Irene Cara sang New York City’s song. Born in the Bronx, she reached for the stars and delivered a soundtrack for the ages. She will be truly missed. Rest in peace.”
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