Irene Cara

Birth Name:

Irene Cara Escalera

Birth Place:

New York City, New York, United States

Profession

Soundtrack, Actress, Music department

Won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the sixth annual Prestige Awards
Began studying music, acting and dance after learning how to play the piano by ear and began making professional television appearances when she was a child
Her talents as a singer and actress hit the national spotlight when she starred in "Fame," singing two Oscar-nominated songs for the movie
In addition to work in film, on television and on the stage, her recording career was a success, as she released several hit singles and albums
In 1981, she was the first artist to perform two pieces nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards
Wrote the lyrics to "Flashdance… What A Feeling" on the cab ride to the studio where she was to record the song

1981Golden Globe - Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical:Nominated
1982Image Award - Best Actress in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Drama Special:Winner
1984Oscar - Best Music, Original Song:Winner
1984BAFTA Film Award - Best Original Song:Nominated
1984Golden Globe - Best Original Song - Motion Picture:Winner
1984Grammy - Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special:Winner
1984NMPA Award - Best Song in a Movie:Winner

Fast Facts