The entertainment industry has been hit with some devastating news. Legendary singer, songwriter. actress, and dancer Irene Cara died yesterday. The songbird passed away at her Largo, Florida home. She was 63.

Cara’s publicist, Judith A. Moose, shared the heartbreaking news on Twitter.

Cara made her Broadway debut in the 1968 musical Maggie Flynn when she was just 9-years old alongside the phenomenal Stephanie Mills. At 13, she was a regular on The Electric Company, a children’s show from the 1970s and a member of the band called the Short Circus.

In 1975, Cara landed a role as Angela in the romance/thriller Aaron Loves Angela opposite of actor/director Kevin Hooks. Later in 1976, she played Sparkle Williams in the original Sparkle movie. She then landed some significant roles in the sitcom What’s Happening and the series Roots: The Next Generation.

Cara is also known for playing the role of Coco Hernandez in the 1980 classic film Fame. She received a Golden Globe nomination which she sang both the title song “Fame” and “Out Here On My Own”. In 1983, she sang and co-wrote the iconic song “What a Feeling” from the Flashdance soundtrack.

The gifted idol earned an Oscar for best original song and two Grammys, for best female pop vocal performance and original score for a motion picture.

Other TV credits include Sister Sister, City Heat, Certain Fury, The Magic Voyage, For Us the Living: The Medgar Evers Story, and D.C. Cab.

Legendary choreographer/actress Debbie Allen shared a post in response to the passing of Cara.

Cara was a talented soul who’s radiant smile and beauty lit up the world. She will be missed.

R.I.P.