Irene Cara, the actress and singer who co-wrote the smash song for the 1983 dance picture Flashdance, for which she won an Oscar and a Grammy, has died. She was 63 years old.
Judith A. Moose, Cara’s publicist, issued a statement on Saturday saying, “it is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara.” She added, “The Academy Award winning actress, singer, songwriter, and producer passed away in her Florida home. Her cause of death is currently unknown and will be released when information is available.”
Moose continued by saying that the family had “They have asked for privacy while they grieve. She was a wonderfully brilliant soul whose music and pictures will live on in perpetuity. Funeral services are being organized, and a memorial for her followers will be held at a later date.”
Cara, also known for her roles in the 1980 film Fame as Coco Hernandez and as the main character in the 1976 musical Sparkle, co-wrote the classic song “Flashdance… What a Feeling.” Cara won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the song.
Cara sang “Out Here on My Own” and the title tune as Coco Hernandez in Fame. The two tracks were huge hits and were nominated for Academy Awards for Best Original Song. The title tune won the Academy Award.
Cara portrayed the lead role, Sparkle Williams, who emerges as a star while seeking glory with her two sisters.
Cara has also been in the Broadway productions The Me Nobody Knows and Via Galactica. The New York City native has appeared on television in Love of Life and Roots: The Next Generations. Other films in which she has appeared include Aaron Loves Angela, Killing ’em Softly, and Sister, Sister.