Irene Cara Escalera was an American singer and actress who rose to prominence for her role as Coco Hernandez in the 1980 musical film Fame, and for recording the film's title song "Fame", which reached No. 1 in several countries. In 1983, Cara co-wrote and sang the song "Flashdance... What a Feeling", for which she shared an Academy Award for Best Original Song and won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1984.
Cara in 1981
Cara with Dee Dee Rescher in the pilot of Irene, 1981
Cara in 1983
Fame is a 1980 American teen musical drama film directed by Alan Parker and written by Christopher Gore. Set in New York City, it chronicles the lives and hardships of students attending The High School of Performing Arts, from their auditions to their freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years.
Theatrical release poster
Producer David De Silva on 46th Street during principal photography in 1979.
Opening Night of the film Fame (L.A. May, 1980) Dolores Quinton, Producer David De Silva, Cindy Williams and Jim Schreiber in front of the theater