Legacy of Irene Cara, the Fame’s Face
How Fame’s theme song put one lady high on the music chart.
Irene Cara, singer-actress, created the theme song for Fame, “Flashdance” which had everyone toe-taping or outright dancing. She came to prominence as a Fame cast member who went on to win an Oscar, Golden Globe, and two-time Grammys. Kara sang and starred in the 1980 hit movie, “Fame” and belted the hit, “Flashdance….What a Feeling” from 1983’s “Flashdance.”
Over her short 63-year lifespan and professional career, Cara had Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Her songs “Breakdance,” “Out Here on My Own,” and Flashdance..….What a Feeling,” spent six weeks №1.
Cara’s prominence began with her being among a select group of young actors who played high schoolers in Alan Parker’s “Fame,” and notable costars such as Debbie Allen, Paul McCrane, and Anne Mear. She played a striving dancer character who was subjected to much humiliation.
Irene Cara was born March 18, 1959, as Irene Escalera in the South Bronx. Her father Gaspar Escalera was from Puerto Rico, a factory worker, and was responsible for bringing merengue to the U.S. Her mother, Louise Escalera, was a cashier of Cuban…
