Oscar-winning actor and singer Irene Cara dies aged 63

Oscar-winning actor and singer Irene Cara has died, aged 63.

The news was confirmed by her publicist Judith A. Moose, who said that Cara died at her Florida home.

The cause of death is currently unknown and will be released 'when information is available'.

Everett Collection Inc / Alamy Stock Photo

Moose wrote on Twitter: "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."

In a statement, she continued: "It is with profound sadness that on behalf of the 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.

"Irene's family has requested privacy as they process their grief. She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.

Irene_Cara/Twitter

"Funeral services are pending and a memorial for her fans will be planned at a future date."

She added: "We were working on amazing projects that would have made her and her fans incredibly happy.

"Her manager and I will finish them. She'd want that."

Cara was best known for singing the title tracks of the 1980s films Fame and Flashdance, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song for the latter.

Everett Collection Inc / Alamy Stock Photo

On social media, people have been paying tribute to the star.

Singer-songwriter Deborah Cox wrote on Twitter: "Rest In Peace beautiful Irene Cara one of my biggest inspirations growing up."

Another fan wrote: "What terribly sad news. Her performance as Coco was sublime. What a talent. RIP Irene Cara."

A third added: "This is so sad. Irene Cara shone throughout 'Fame', the film and was the voice of my teens and twenties.

"So talented and a sad loss."

While another tweeted: "Heartbreaking to hear about the tragic loss of Irene Cara.

"An amazing voice delivering some of the most iconic film songs ever."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677

Topics: Music, Celebrity

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey