Irene Cara, Oscar-winning singer of “Flashdance,” “Fame” theme songs, dies at age 63, rep says

Irene Cara, the Oscar-winning singer of the “Fame” and “Flashdance” theme songs, has died at the age of 63, her publicist announced late Friday.

Cara died at her home in Florida of an unknown cause.

Her publicist confirmed her death to Eyewitness News.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the death of Irene Carr on behalf of her family,” publicist Judith A. Muse wrote.

Cara studied music, dance and acting as a child and appeared on stage and on television, including PBS and Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show” at a young age in the 1970s.

But she became famous when in 1980 she took part in the musical “Glory”. She was originally cast as a dancer, but then the role of Coco Hernandez was written for her and she sang the title track.

She was nominated for two Grammy Awards after Fame for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Performance.

She then won a Grammy and an Academy Award in 1984 for the title song of Flashdance, a film starring Jennifer Beals as a budding dancer.

She continued her dual career in acting and music, appearing in films such as DC Cab and City Heat, as well as various television shows. She has also performed in live theater and musicals.

“Irene’s family has asked for privacy while they grieve,” Moose wrote. “She was a wonderfully gifted soul whose legacy will live on forever through her music and films.”