This week, critically-acclaimed singer and actress Irene Cara passed away at 63 years old. Cara reportedly passed away in her Florida residence, but a cause of death has not yet been determined.
“It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family, I announced the passing of Irene Cara. The Academy Award-winning actress, singer, songwriter and producer passed away in her Florida home. Her cause of death is currently unknown and will be released when information is available,” Cara’s publicist, Judith A. Moose, said.
“Irene’s family has [requested] privacy as they process their grief. She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films. Funeral services are pending and a memorial for her fans will be planned at a future date.”
Irene Cara is a lifelong artist and entertainer who appeared on the 1970s show The Electric Company as a child actor. In 1980, her career took off with the success of the film, Fame. Cara delivered the film’s title track on the movie’s soundtrack and earned an Academy Award nomination. Three years later, Cara recorded “Flashdance…What a Feeling” for the film, Flashdance. This time around, she was not only nominated in the “Best Original Song” category, but she won the award.
“Irene Cara, you inspired me more than you could ever know. Your songwriting and vocals created pure energy that will never cease. You also defined an era that is so close to my heart,” Lenny Kravitz tweeted.
“My heart is broken. Irene Cara was such a gifted and beautiful genius. Her talent and her music will live forever,” Debbie Allen added.
There is reportedly more work from Cara on the way. Moose said that there are “amazing projects that would have made her and her fans incredibly happy.”
“Her manager and I will finish them,” she said.
“She’d want that.”
