Irene Cara dies aged 63

Irene Cara dies aged 63

We received some sad news today that the Oscar winning singer Irene Cara has died at the age of 63. Cara co-starred in the all star period film City Heat (1984). 

Irene Cara, the Oscar-winning singer of the title tracks to "Fame" and "Flashdance," has died at age 63, her publicist announced late Friday. Cara died in her Florida home of an as yet undisclosed cause. Her publicist confirmed her death to Eyewitness News.

"It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara," publicist Judith A. Moose wrote.

Cara was trained in music, dance and acting as a child and appeared on stage and on television, including appearances on PBS and on Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show," at a young age in the 1970s.

But she rocketed to fame when she was cast in the 1980 musical "Fame." She was initially cast as a dancer but then had the role of Coco Hernandez written for her and she sang the title track.

She was nominated for two Grammys after "Fame," for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Artist.

She then won a Grammy and an Academy Award in 1984 with the title track to "Flashdance," the film starring Jennifer Beals as an aspiring dancer. Later that same year she appeared in Clint’s City Heat alongside Burt Reynolds, Richard Roundtree, Rip Torn,  Jane Alexander and Madeline Kahn. Cara played talented nightclub singer Ginny Lee who is taken hostage by the film’s head thug and his mob. Cara also appeared on the film’s original soundtrack album performing ‘Embraceable You’ and ‘Get Happy’. 

Cara continued on with her dual career in acting and music, appearing in films and various television shows. She also performed in live theatre and musicals.

"Irene's family has requested privacy as they process their grief," Moose wrote. "She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films."

Our sincere condolences go out to her family and friends.