Oscar-winning Flashdance … what a feeling Singer Irene Cara died of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, TMZ reports.
acclaimed artist Found dead inside to her fl Home on November 25, 2022, at the age of just 63 – her death confirmed by Judith Moss.
The official cause of Erin’s death was atherosclerotic disease and high blood pressure in the heart and blood vessels. The late star was noted to have diabetes in documents from the Pinellas County Medical Examiner and obtained by TMZ.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce on behalf of her family the passing of Irene Cara,” Moss said in a statement. The cause of her death is currently unknown and will be revealed when information becomes available.
The post came after a death hoax about Cara, who starred in Fame and sang its theme, with many fans fearing the latest ad was part of yet another lie.
Tragedy: Oscar-winning Flash Dance… What a singer feels Irene Cara died as a result of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, TMZ reports (pictured 2007)
“Sorry if that’s true, but I’m afraid this hoax is hard to believe,” Twitter user Rachel L wrote in response to Moss. Representatives for the actress officially confirmed on Friday (November 25) that Irene Cara is not dead.
“She joins a long list of celebrities who have fallen victim to this hoax,” the previous ad read.
But Moss confirmed Saturday’s announcement was genuine, adding, “We are all in shock.”
Born in the Bronx as Irene Escalera, Kara had humble roots – her mother, Louise, worked as a cashier, while her father, Gaspar, was a steelworker and musician.
Inheriting her father’s talent, Cara became a trained singer, actress, and dancer who did numerous performances on stage and on television as a child, including on PBS and Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show.
The performer then rose to fame in 1980 playing Coco Hernandez in the hit musical Fame.
She received two Grammy Award nominations for the musical and won Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Artist.
Cara went on to win a Grammy and an Oscar in 1984 with “Flashdance,” which starred Jennifer Beals.
Cara was beloved for her 1980 role as Coco Hernandez in the hit musical Fame (pictured)
Many fans were shocked and did not immediately believe the news of Kara’s death after the hoax
Pictured: Cara (far left) standing next to her fellow actors in 1980. Her rendition of the song remains one of the most memorable tunes in a decade filled with classics
Pictured: Cara holds the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. She released some of the best and most memorable songs of the 80’s
She fell out of the spotlight after suing her former record company during the 1990s over her earnings. This led to Kara being awarded $1.5 million by a California jury in 1993. But the music industry backed away from her as a result, and her career took a hit.
Upon confirming Cara’s death, Moss wrote: “She was a beautifully gifted soul, whose legacy will live on forever through her music and films.”
The publicist also expressed sympathy for the performer’s fans because of the recent death hoax.
None of us have been contacted about the hoax on the Facebook page. I completely understand that this is hard to believe. We are all in shock.
The youngest of five children, Cara made her stage debut at the age of three, securing a spot as a finalist for the Little Miss America Pageant in 1962.
The daughter of a Puerto Rican and a Cuban-American, Cara made her stints on Spanish-language TV shows before becoming a regular on the educational PBS show, The Electric Company.
Besides her television work, Cara has performed in a slew of off-Broadway productions, her first big role being the titular Sparkle Williams in the 1976 musical drama film, Sparkle.
Prior to fame, Cara also starred in the 1979 sequel to the classic Roots TV series.
Although her stardom peaked in the 1980s, Cara continued to perform throughout the decades, appearing in films such as DC Cab, City Heat, and Downtown, A Street Tale.
After Cara’s death was confirmed, fans of the famous singer took to social media to share their grief.
Twitter user Jimmy Pavolic said he has loved Kara’s vocals since he watched Fame as a child.
“So sad to hear about the passing of Irene Cara, this song since I heard it as a 12 year old kid, my sincerest condolences to his family, friends and fans.” RIP Erin Kara.
Journalist and Disney alumnus Stephen McCoy wrote: ‘Dame Irene first met Cara many years ago, she was truly a beautiful, kind and soulful woman. She even sent me a gift package to my home and she is still very dear to my heart. You will be truly missed.’
Another Twitter user holding the handle Cromwell described Cara as the soundtrack of the ’80s.
‘this is very sad. Erin was the writer, voice, and performer of many of the greatest hits and movie tracks of the ’80s. There is a special place in my heart for #OutHereOnMyOwn from #Fame. Sleep well, beloved lady.
Cara was beloved for her performance singing the titular track, Fame. She is pictured alongside Lee Currie, who played Bruno