Irene Cara: what was the cause of the 'Flashdance' singer's death?

A New Yorker of Puerto Rican origin, Irene Cara was an icon of the 80s. The singer and actress left the world unexpectedly at the age of 63 in November 2022. Until now, the cause of death was a mystery.

The singer of 'What a Feeling,' the iconic 'Flashdance' song, died of hypertension and high cholesterol. TMZ broke the news after getting access to the medical report.

The medical examiner of Pinellas County (Florida) indicated that arteriosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease was the cause of death. The autopsy also pointed out that Irene Cara had diabetes.

The singer and actress who swept the world in the '80s, passed away on November 25, 2022, without the cause of death being disclosed at the time.

After the star's death, there was a lot of speculation. The lack of an official explanation gave rise to all kinds of theories about the 63-year-old's passing.

The singer had died in her house in Florida. Judith A. Moose, the artist's publicist, broke the news with a heartfelt tweet from Irene Cara's account.

"It is with profound sadness that, on behalf of her family, I announce the death of Irene Cara. The Academy Award winning actress, singer, songwriter, and producer passed away in her Florida home" her publicist tweeted.

Photo: @Irene_Cara / Twitter

Her publicist promised at the time to let the star's followers know as soon as more details were known. "Her cause of death is currently unknown and will be released when information is available," she said.

An actress, singer, composer, and producer, Irene Cara became world famous thanks to her role as Coco Hernández in 'Fame' (1980). She also appeared on its soundtrack.

Glory in Hollywood came three years later with 'Flashdance.' Irene Cara was the one who sang 'What a Feeling': an iconic song of the 80s. She won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Irene Cara, born in The Bronx in March 1959, began studying dance, singing, and acting at a very young age. In fact, at just 8 years old, she had already released an album with songs in Spanish.

In 1975, 'Aaron Loves Angela' offered her a role and introduced her to a larger American audience. Five years later, 'Fame' would change her life with the part of Coco Hernández. As the dance instructor from 'Fame,' she shone both as an actress and as a dancer. Irene Cara became a symbol of a key decade in Hollywood.

Irene Cara would take advantage of the success of the series to boost her career as a singer. The songs 'Fame' and 'Out Here on my Own' are among her most recognizable ones from that time. She got two nominations for Breakthrough Artist and Pop Female Artist thanks to 'Fame.'

However, Irene Cara's star faded as the decade passed. In the 90s, she announced her retirement from show business. In 2001 she would return to her hit song 'What a Feeling' and found the group 'Hot Caramelo'. The success was moderate though.

Despite living almost anonymously in the 21st century, her death reminds us of the monumental figure she was in 80s pop culture. You can also tell from the celebrities who said goodbye to her on social media.

Irene Cara's partner in 'Fame' shared several photos of both of them on Instagram. She commented: "Her talent and her music will LIVE FOREVER! FOREVER REMEMBER HER NAME! #FAME."

Photo: @therealdebbieallen / Instagram

Lenny Kravitz also took to Instagram to say that Irene Cara "inspired me more than you could ever know. Your songwriting and vocals created pure energy that will never cease."

"You also defined an era that is so close to my heart," Kravitz continued. "Your portrayal of 'Coco' in Alan Parker’s 'Fame' is immortal and know that I was madly in love with her. Thank you Irene. You're gonna live forever."

Photo: @lennykravitz / Instagram

John Leguizamo has also wanted to say goodbye to the artist on Instagram, noting that "she was one of the reasons I am here today! She made me believe if you were Latino you could make it! She fueled my community."

Photo: @johnleguizamo / Instagram

Ariana DeBose, a present-day Irene Cara who won several awards for her roles in 'West Side Story' and 'Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,' also praised the late actress and singer.

DeBose wrote on Instagram: "She will indeed live forever. Her music showed so many of us the way. Her voice inspire me from a young age to embrace freedom when I performed. Sweet peace to you beautiful lady."

Photo: @arianadebose / Instagram