Irene Cara, the Oscar-winning musician best known for singing the title songs to the movies «Fame» and «Flashdance,» has died, her publicist said Saturday.
She was 63 years old.
“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of Irene Cara on behalf of her family,” her publicist Judith A. Moose said in a statement posted on the Cara website and Twitter food.
“The Academy Award-winning actress, singer, songwriter and producer passed away at her home in Florida. Her cause of death is currently unknown and will be released when information is available,” she said.
Moose said breaking the news was «absolutely the worst part of being a publicist», adding: «I can’t believe I had to write this, let alone break the news.»
“She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live on forever through her music and her films,” Moose said.
Cara received a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Coco Hernandez in the 1980 musical «Fame.»
She later sang and co-wrote «Flashdance… What A Feeling» for the soundtrack to the 1983 box office hit «Flashdance,» which starred Jennifer Beals as an aspiring dancer.
Cara won two Grammy Awards for the song, Best Original Score Album Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special, which she shared with other writers, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
He later appeared in movies like «DC Cab» and «City Heat» and on various TV shows. He has also acted in live theater and musicals.