Irene Cara, ‘Flashdance,’ ‘Fame’ singer, dead at 63, publicist says

Irene Cara, who won an Academy Award for 1983′s “Flashdance... What A Feeling” and also sang the title track to “Fame,” has died, her publicist announced Friday night. She was 63.

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Cara died at her Florida home, KABC-TV reported. The cause of death was not disclosed.

“It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara,” publicist Judith A. Moose wrote on Twitter. “Irene’s family has requested privacy as they process their grief.”

Moose also confirmed the death to an Associated Press reporter on Saturday. It is unclear when Cara died.

Cara was originally cast as a dancer in the 1980 musical, “Fame,” but then was cast in the role of Coco Fernandez and sang the title track of the song, KABC reported.

“Fame” reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart and remained on the chart for 26 weeks, according to Billboard.

Cara was nominated for a pair of Grammy Awards as best new artist and best female pop vocal artist.

In 1984, Cara won an Oscar and two Grammy Awards for “Flashdance... What A Feeling,” the title track to “Flashdance,” which starred Jennifer Beals.

The song spent 25 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1983 and was No. 1 for six weeks, according to Billboard.

Cara also had a top-10 hit in early 1984 with “Breakdance,” reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Her other credits include the 1976 film “Sparkle,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Born March 18, 1959, in New York City, Cara continued to act both on the screen and on stage, Rolling Stone reported. She appeared in films such as “City Heat” “Certain Fury,” and “Caged in Paradiso,” along with an appearance in the 1993 revival of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” She also served as a backup singer for artists like Lou Reed, Oleta Adams and Evelyn “Champagne” King, the magazine reported.

“She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films,” Moose wrote on Twitter.

In a follow-up statement, Moose confirmed that she and Cara’s business manager were notified of the singer’s death late Friday evening.

“Believe me, I wish it weren’t true,” she wrote.

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