Irene Cara, best known for the “Fame” and “Flashdance” title songs, has died at the age of 63.
Her publicist said she had died in her Florida home and that the cause of death was unknown.
“It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara”, said a statement on her website.
“She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.”
Cara became one of the most awarded artists of her generation, winning Grammies both as a vocalist and a songwriter.
She also appeared in films such as DC Cab and City Heat, as well as various television shows. She also performed in live theatre and musicals.
Born in 1959 in New York City, Cara first dazzled audiences when she was just five years old and went on to star in the hit movie Flashdance.
Cara won an Oscar for the song “Flashdance… What A Feeling” from the 1980s hit movie Flashdance and has been an icon of her generation.
Among those paying tribute to Cara was actor Lee Curreri, who starred alongside her in Fame.
He shared a black and white picture of her on his Instagram page, accompanied by a heart emoji.
During her breakout role in the acclaimed 1980 musical Fame, she was signed to be a recording artiste in her own right and went on to score her biggest hit in the 1983 film Flashdance.
Her performance in Flashdance garnered her an Academy Award for best original song – the first African American woman to win the coveted award since Hattie McDaniel in the 1939 classic Gone With The Wind.
