Irene Cara, ‘Fame’, ‘Flashdance’ Singer, Dies at 63

(NEXSTAR) – Singer and actress Irene Cara, perhaps best known for the hit songs “Fame” and “Flashdance… What a Feeling,” has died at the age of 63, her publicist has confirmed.

“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of Irene Cara on behalf of her family,” Judith A. Moose, president of JM Media Group, wrote in a statement published on Cara’s official Twitter account. “The Academy Award-winning actress, singer, songwriter and producer passed away at her home in Florida. The cause of her death is currently unknown and will be released when information is available.”

Originally from New York City, Cara began her career in show business at a young age, acting in children’s albums and appearing in television shows and stage productions in New York, among other projects. But her biggest break came in 1980, after she was cast as Coco Hernandez in “Fame.”

Cara was also chosen to record the title song for the film, as well as “Out Here On My Own”, both of which would be nominated for Best Original Song at the 1981 Academy Awards.

Just a few years later, Cara would win an Academy Award, as well as a Grammy and a Golden Globe, for co-writing and performing the title track for “Flashdance” (“Flashdance… What a Feeling”).

Cara’s other credits included appearances in films, including “City Heat” with Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds and “Certain Fury” with Tatum O’Neal. More recently, she also continued to perform and record with her band Hot Caramel.