Irene Cara, an Oscar-winning artist, has allegedly died at the age of 63. Her death was confirmed by her spokeswoman, Judith A. Moose, in a statement. Cara breathed her last breath at her Florida home, according to the statement, although her exact cause of death is presently unknown:
“It is with great regret that I announce the death of Irene Cara on behalf of her family.” The Academy Award-winning actress, singer, composer, and producer died at her home in Florida. Her cause of death is presently unclear, and details will be provided as soon as they become available.”
The publicist also asked for privacy for Cara’s family as they continue to grieve the singer and actress’s death. They also stated that the musician’s burial arrangements are still pending and announced that a fan memorial would be prepared in the coming days:
“Irene’s family has asked for privacy while they grieve.” She was a wonderfully brilliant person whose music and pictures will live on in perpetuity. Funeral services are being organized, and a memorial for her followers will be held at a later date.”
After a death hoax on Friday, November 25, Irene Cara’s death left her followers dubious. Her officials stated at the time that she was alive and had been “victimized by this scam.” Moose, the singer’s publicist, assured fans that Saturday’s update was accurate and that they were all “shocked” by the scenario.
Fans are mourning the death of singer and actress Irene Cara.
Irene Cara was an American singer and actress best known for her work on the soundtrack of the 1983 film Flashdance. For Flashdance, she won an Academy Award for Best Original Song… Her depiction of Coco Hernandez in the 1980 musical film Fame earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. The singer was also nominated for two Grammys: Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. She is well renowned for her performance as the lead in the 1976 musical drama Sparkle.
Following Cara’s death, countless fans, well-wishers, and other musicians flocked to Twitter to express their condolences:
As condolences come in online, it is clear that Irene Cara will be missed by her family, friends, and admirers. She will, however, be remembered for her efforts by both current and future generations.
My Heart Is Broken. 💔#IreneCara was such a gifted and beautiful genius. Her talent and her music will LIVE FOREVER! FOREVER REMEMBER HER NAME! 😢❤️ #FAME pic.twitter.com/ZUnOfGngFT
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) November 26, 2022
VERY SAD to hear news of passing of IRENE CARA, the Black Latinx singer/songwriter/actress/giant of a talent. I crossed paths with her once, on flight from somewhere in Florida to Los Angeles. I was such a big fan I was too scared to say anything. I wish I had. Rest, Irene, rest. pic.twitter.com/pgnWAokyFx
— Kevin Powell (@kevin_powell) November 26, 2022
A look back at Irene Cara’s life.
Irene Cara was born in New York City on March 18, 1959, to Gaspar Escalera and Louise. Her father was a former saxophone and Puerto Rican industrial worker, while her mother was a Cuban-American movie theater usher. She grew up with two sisters and two brothers and started taking dancing classes when she was five years old. Cara was also one of five finalists for the Little Miss America contest when she was three years old, and she later studied music and theater.
The guitarist appeared on television series such as The Original Amateur Hour and Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show. She also performed as a member of The Short Circus band on PBS’s educational show The Electric Company. Irene Cara has featured in off-Broadway productions and portrayed Daisy Allen in the 1970s daytime drama Love of Life. She also featured in Aaron Loves Angela and received praise for her roles in Sparkle, Roots: The Next Generations, and Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones.
After portraying Coco Hernandez in the 1980 smash film Fame and singing the title song as well as the film’s single, the actress gained worldwide renown. Among her other credits is Sister, Sister, For Us the Living: The Medgar Evers Story, and Killing ’em Softly. Cara rose to prominence in the music business with the title song from the 1983 film Flashdance. The song won her the Academy Award for Best Song in 1983, the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1984, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 1984, and the American Music Awards for Best R&B Female Artist and Best Pop Single of the Year in 1984. Irene Cara was recognized in the Ciboney Cafe’s Hall of Fame in 2004, and she also got a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Prestige Awards’ sixth annual ceremony.
