Oscar-winning 'Flashdance' singer Irene Cara has died at 63
- Singer and actress Irene Cara died at 63, her publicist confirmed on Twitter Saturday.
- Cara was known for singing title tracks for the 80s films "Fame" and "Flashdance."
Singer and actress Irene Cara died in her Florida home, her publicist Judith A. Moose confirmed on Twitter Saturday. Cara was 63.
The multi-hyphenate entertainer sang the title tracks to the 80s films "Flashdance" and "Fame."
"It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara," Moose wrote. "The Academy Award-winning actress, singer, songwriter and producer passed away in her Florida home."
"She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films," Moose added.
A cause of death is unknown and "will be released when information is available," according to Moose's statement. Moose also shared that plans for a funeral and memorial service for fans are underway.
The Puerto Rican and Cuban American star began her career in Spanish-language television, according to The Washington Post, before starring in the feature film "Sparkle" in 1976 as the titular character Sparkle Williams. Cara followed the performance with a role in "Roots: The Next Generation" in 1979.
Cara also starred in the 1980 musical "Fame" as Coco Hernandez, a young star auditioning for a spot at the coveted New York High School of Performing Arts. Her performance of the title track "Fame" earned her two Grammy nominations for best new artist and best female pop vocal performance at the 1981 ceremony.
After "Fame," Cara's film and music career took off.
In the 1983 film "Flashdance," Cara co-wrote and performed the title track, "Flashdance... What a Feeling." At the 1984 Grammy's, Cara won best female pop vocal performance and best album of original score written for a motion picture or a television special for the song.
"Flashdance... What a Feeling" also won Cara an Academy Award for best original song at the 1983 Oscars, a People's Choice Award for favorite song in a movie, and a Golden Globe Award for best original song.
After "Flashdance," Cara appeared in the 1984 film "City Heat" alongside Clint Eastwood and in the 1985 film "Certain Fury" with costar Tatum O'Neal.