(CNN) — Academy Award winner Irene Cara, best known for singing the theme songs for “Fame” and “Flashdance,” has died in her Florida home, according to a statement from her publicist made on behalf of the singer’s family. She was 63.
“This is the absolute worst part of being a publicist. I can’t believe I’ve had to write this, let alone release the news,” Judith Moose said in a tweet announcing the singer’s death. “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’s cause of death is unknown, according to Moose’s statement.
Also from the Associated Press:
'Fame' and 'Flashdance' singer-actor Irene Cara dies at 63
NEW YORK (AP) — Oscar, Golden Globe and two-time Grammy winning singer-actress Irene Cara, who starred in and sang the title cut from the 1980 hit movie “Fame” and then belted out the era-defining hit “Flashdance ... What a Feeling” from 1983′s “Flashdance,” has died.
She was 63. Her publicist confirmed the death on Saturday.
During her career, Cara had three Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Breakdance,” “Out Here On My Own,” “Fame” and “Flashdance ... What A Feeling,” which spent six weeks at No. 1.
She first came to prominence among the young actors playing performing arts high schoolers in Alan Parker’s “Fame.”
Three years later, she and the songwriting team of “Flashdance” accepted the Oscar for best original song.
