(CNN) — Oscar-winning actress Irene Cara, known for singing the theme songs to 1980s films “Fame” and “Flashdance,” has died at her Florida home, according to a statement from her publicist, issued on behalf of the singer’s family was delivered. He was 63 years old.
“That’s absolutely the worst thing about being a publicist. I can’t believe I had to write this, let alone publish the story.” said Judith Moose in a tweet announce the singer’s death. “Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I will read every one of them and I know she will smile from heaven. She adored her fans.”
“She was a wonderfully gifted soul whose legacy will live on forever through her music and films,” added Moose.
The cause of death is unknown, the release said.
As a teenager, Cara appeared on the television show Electric Company before starring in the films Aaron Loves Angela and Sparkle as a teenager.
Her breakthrough came in 1980 as Coco Hernandez in the musical Fame about the New York High School for the Performing Arts. He had a hit with that film’s theme song and another with the ballad “Out Here on My Own.” She was nominated for a Golden Globe and two Grammy Awards that year.
Three years later, Cara co-wrote the lyrics to “Flashdance…What a Feeling,” another radio hit, for which she received an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
He had a few other hits including “Why Me” and “Breakdance.” He has also acted in films such as City Heat with Burt Reynolds and Clint Eastwood, DC Cab with Mr. T and Certain Fury with Tatum O’Neal.