RIP: Irene Cara – Fame, Sparkle Actress Dead at 63

Singer and actress Irene Cara, known for playing the role of Coco Hernandez in the 1980 film Fame, and Sparkle Williams in the original 1976 musical drama film Sparkle has died. She was 63.

Cara’s publicist Judith A. Moose tweeted, “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. 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.”

She continued, “It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara. 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.”

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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. 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. – JM pic.twitter.com/TsC5BwZ3fh

— Irene Cara (@Irene_Cara) November 26, 2022

Cara starred as Sparkle Williams in the original 1976 film Sparkle.

Cara starred as Coco Hernandez in the 1980 film Fame.

Cara also sang the Flashdance theme “Flashdance… What a Feeling” for which she won an Academy Award and a Grammy Award.