IRENE CARA ESCALERA

March 18, 1959 – November 25, 2022

Oscar Academy Award, Golden Globe, Grammy, NAACP Singer, Songwriter, and Actress winner.

Irene Cara was born in Bronx, NY. . Her father was Gaspar Escalera a factory worker and saxophonist, her mother was Louise Gaspar a movie theater usher.

Irene Cara is well known as the co-writer of the song WHAT A FEELING from the movie FLASHDANCE.for which she won an ACADEMY AWARD FOR BEST ORIGINAL SONG AND A GRAMMY AWARD FOR BEST FEMALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE. in 1984 is also known for her starring role in “Fame” and for the musical film score which made her an international star. She also had the starring role in the movie SPARKLE in 1976. In her earlier career she appeared in on and off- Broadway theatrical shows “Ain’t Misbehavin, The Me Nobody Knows which won an Obie Award, the Original Daisy Allen on the 1970’s series Love of Life. and the romantic thriller Aaron Loves Angela. She also starred in Roots: The Next Generations and Guyana Tragedy, the story of Jim Jones. Irene Cara married Stuntman and Film Director ConradPalmisano and divorced him in 1991. Irene Cara passed away at her home in Largo, Florida on November 25th, 2022 at 63. She released four albums1982 Anyone can see, 1983 What a feeling multi-platinum album,1987 Charismatic, and 2011 Irene Cara Presents Hot caramel. NAACP, Grammy, Golden Globe, and Oscar awards.

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