FAME and Flashdance singer Irene Cara has died aged 63.
The star sang and co-wrote the iconic theme tune to Flashdance – What A Feeling – and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
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She also played the role of Coco Hernandez in the 1980 blockbuster Fame.
Cara’s publicist Judith Moose said the singer had died at her home in Miami, Florida and a memorial will be planned for fans.
Judith described her as a “beautifully gifted soul”.
“It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara,” she said.
“The Academy Award-winning actress, singer, songwriter and producer passed away in her Florida home.
“Her cause of death is currently unknown and will be released when information is available.
“Irene’s family has requested privacy as they process their grief.
“She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.
“Funeral services are pending and a memorial for her fans will be planned at a future date.”
Judith added: Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I’ll be reading each and every one of them and know she’ll be smiling from heaven. She adored her fans.”
Cara was trained in music, dance and acting as a child and appeared on stage and TV – including appearances on Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show at a young age in the 1970s.
But she shot to stardom when she was cast in the 1980 musical Fame.
She was initially cast as a dancer – but then she had the role of Coco written for her and famously sang the title track.
Her performance won her two Grammy awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Artist.
She then won a Grammy and an Academy Award in 1984 with the title track to Flashdance.
The star continued with her acting and music career, appearing in films such as D.C Cab and City Heat, while also performing in live theatre and films.
She also formed an all-female band – Hot Caramel – in 1999.
In 2004, Cara received two honours with an induction into the Ciboney Cafe’s Hall of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Award presented at the annual Prestige Awards.