Irene Cara Escalera (March 18, 1959 – November 25, 2022) was an acclaimed American singer and actress. She gained fame for her role as Coco Hernandez in the 1980 musical film “Fame,” and its iconic title song, which topped charts worldwide.
Cara also co-wrote and performed “Flashdance… What a Feeling” from the 1983 film “Flashdance,” earning an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Before her rise to fame, she starred in the 1976 film “Sparkle.” Cara passed away at 63 from hypertensive heart disease caused by hypercholesterolemia.
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Table of Contents
Irene Cara’s Net Worth
Irene Cara had a net worth of $2 million at the time of her passing in November 2022. Cara starred as Coco Hernandez in the 1980 musical drama “Fame,” where she performed the title song.
This song topped the charts in multiple countries and earned Cara her first Grammy nomination, cementing her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Early life
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York City, Irene Cara Escalera was the youngest of five children to a Puerto Rican father, Gaspar, a retired saxophonist and steel factory worker, and a Cuban mother, Louise, a movie theater usher.
Cara’s performing career began early, with appearances on Spanish-language TV, “The Original Amateur Hour,” and “The Tonight Show.” At five, she started dance lessons and quickly moved to TV shows like PBS’s “The Electric Company.” A confident child performer, Cara also recorded albums in both Spanish and English, and attended Manhattan’s Professional Children’s School.
Career
Irene Cara began her career on Broadway, starring in shows like “Maggie Flynn” and earning acclaim in “The Me Nobody Knows,” which won an Obie Award. She gained widespread recognition for her role in “Fame,” singing hits like “Fame” and “Out Here on My Own,” both Oscar-nominated.
Cara’s performance in “Flashdance… What a Feeling” won her an Academy Award and a Grammy. Despite industry challenges, including disputes over royalties, she continued to influence the music scene, eventually forming her band Hot Caramel and remaining active in performing arts.
Personal life
Cara married Conrad Palmisano, a stuntman and film director, in Los Angeles on April 13, 1986. The couple did not have any children and they divorced in 1991. Cara passed away due to arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease, exacerbated by hypercholesterolemia, on November 25, 2022, at the age of 63.
She also suffered from diabetes. At the time of her death, Cara was living in Largo, Florida, and also had a secondary residence in New Port Richey, where her company, Caramel Productions, was located.
Did Irene Cara get paid?
Despite her marriage to Palmisano, Irene Cara did not have any children. The couple eventually parted ways in 1991.
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Conclusion
Irene Cara’s journey, punctuated with meteoric rises and unfortunate falls, serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. Her legacy remains etched in the hearts of many, through the melodies she sang and the characters she portrayed.
FAQs about Irene Cara’s Net Worth
- When did Irene Cara start her career?
Irene Cara began her professional career at a young age, featuring in Spanish-language television shows. - How did Irene Cara achieve international acclaim?
Apart from her TV roles, Cara earned international acclaim with her role as Coco Hernandez in the movie “Fame” and its title song. - What was the reason behind Irene Cara’s lawsuit?
Irene Cara sued Network Records for $10 million over unpaid royalties from her hit songs. - Did Irene Cara receive the money from her lawsuit?
Though awarded $1.5 million, Irene Cara never received the payment due to the label’s bankruptcy. - What was Irene Cara’s net worth at the time of her death?
Irene Cara had an estimated net worth of $2 million when she passed away in 2022.
