‘Fame’ and ‘Flashdance’ singer-actor Irene Cara dies at 63

Irene Cara, a singer-actress who appeared in and performed the title track from the 1980 hit film “Fame,” as well as the iconic hit “Flashdance… What a Feeling” from the 1983 film “Flashdance,” has passed away. She was an Oscar, Golden Globe, and two-time Grammy winner. She was 63.

The news was shared on social media by Judith A. Moose, her publicist, who stated that the cause of death was “currently unknown.” The death was also verified by Moose to a reporter for the Associated Press on Saturday. Cara passed away in her Florida home. Her death date, specifically, was not made public.

Irene’s family has asked for privacy as they deal with their bereavement, according to Moose. She was a stunningly talented person whose films and songs will live on forever.

Cara scored three Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 songs throughout the course of her career, including “Breakdance,” “Fame,” and “Flashdance… What A Feeling,” which peaked at No. 1 for six weeks. She composed “Out Here On My Own” and “Why Me,” two of the early 1980s’ happiest, most upbeat pop songs.

Social media users paid tribute to Cara on Saturday, with Deborah Cox calling her an inspiration and Holly Robinson Peete describing her performance this way: “The amazing combination of talent and beauty was overpowering to me. My heart is so bruised by this.