‘Fame’ and ‘Flashdance’ singer and actor Irene Cara dies at 63

Two-time Oscar-, Golden Globe-, and Grammy-winning singer and actress Irene Cara starred and sang the title cut of the 1980 hit film Fame, and sang the era-defining 1983 hit Flashdance. I sang “What a Feeling” out loud. ‘s “Flashdance” has died. She was 63 years old.

Her publicist, Judith A. Moose, announced the news on social media, writing that the cause of death was “currently unknown.” Associated Press reporter on Saturday. Carla died at her home in Florida. The exact date of her death has not been revealed.

“Irene’s family requested privacy to process their grief,” Moose wrote. “She was a beautiful and talented soul whose legacy will live on forever through her music and films.” .”

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During her career, Carla had three Top 10 hits. billboard The Hot 100 included “Breakdance,” “Out Here On My Own,” “Fame,” and “Flashdance … What A Feeling,” which stayed at number one for six weeks. Anthem of the early 80’s.

She first rose to fame among young actors playing a performing arts high school student in Alan Parker’s “Fame,” alongside co-stars Debbie Allen, Paul McClain, and Anne Mare. , played Coco Hernandez, a hard-working dancer who endures deprivation of all kinds, including eerie nude photo shoots.

“How brightly our spirits fly into space depends on how much we contribute to the earthly brilliance of this world. And I intend to be a major contributor!” says in the movie.

Carla sang the soaring title song in the chorus — “Remember my name/I’m going to live forever/I’ll ​​learn how to fly/I’m gonna get it together I’ll feel you/People will cry when they see me”—it will go on. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. She also sang on “Out Here on My Own,” “Hot lunch Jam,” and “I Sing the Body Electric.”

Three years later, she and the “Flashdance” songwriting team (music by Giorgio Moroder, lyrics by Keith Forsey and Cara) won an Oscar for Best Original Song for “Flashdance … What a Feeling.”

The film starred Jennifer Beals as a steel town girl who wants to dance in bars at night and attend a prestigious dance conservatory. It included her hit “Maniac”, which featured Beerus’ character jumping, spinning, stamping her feet, and a slow burning theme song.

“There are not enough words to express my love and gratitude,” Carla thanked the Oscar crowd. A very special gentleman who I guess started it all. To Alan Parker, wherever you are tonight, I thank him.”

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New York-born Kara began her career on Broadway, playing small parts in short-lived shows, but a musical called “Me Nobody Knows” ran over 300 performances. She toured the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” as Mary Magdalene in the mid-1990s, and the musical “Flashdance” toured with her songs from 2012-14.

She also formed the all-female band Irene Cara Presents Hot Caramel and released a double CD of the single “How Can I Make You Luv Me”. Her film credits include ‘Sparkle’ and ‘DC Cab’.

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Associated Press reporters Hillel Italy and Frida Frisaro contributed to this report.

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