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Irene Cara, who sang the theme songs for 'Fame' and 'Flashdance', dies aged 63

Irene Cara - M.G.M. / Album / Avalon/Avalon
Irene Cara - M.G.M. / Album / Avalon/Avalon

Irene Cara, who sang the theme songs for the 1980s films "Fame" and "Flashdance", has died aged 63.

The Oscar-winning singer and actress was found deceased at her home in Florida on Friday, her publicist confirmed.

Judith Moose, the publicist, said: "She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films."

The cause of death was not immediately known.

Cara sang the title song for the hit film "Fame", which follows the triumphs and tribulations of students at a performing arts high school in New York.

Irene Cara and the stars of 'Fame' - The Hollywood Archive / Avalon/Avalon
Irene Cara and the stars of 'Fame' - The Hollywood Archive / Avalon/Avalon

In the film, she also played Coco Hernandez, a role written for her after she was initially cast as a dancer.

Her work earned her Grammy award nominations for best new artist and best female pop artist.

She also co-wrote and performed the hit "Flashdance...What a Feeling" for the 1983 movie "Flashdance".

It depicted the life of an aspiring dancer, played by Jennifer Beals.

The song earned Cara an Oscar for best original song and two Grammys.

Cara was born in 1959 and trained as a child in music, dancing and singing, and appeared on stage and television.

Later in her career, she starred in films including "City Heat" with Burt Reynolds and Clint Eastwood.

She also appeared in various television shows, and performed in theatre and musicals.

Her publicist asked people to share their thoughts and memories of the singer.

She added: "I'll be reading each and every one of them and know she'll be smiling from Heaven. She adored her fans."