Lee Curreri:
"I first met Irene in a van - Alan Parker was taking
the Fame movie cast out to lunch so we could all get acquainted. I felt as if I
had jumped into the Fame script and met Coco! Irene was so unique - as a young
woman, she had been around the show biz block more than a few times and could
teach us some things. One of the characteristics of being in a film is that you
end up waiting for hours while lights are set up and other scenes are filmed -
with Irene, those hours were never boring - luckily there were a few pianos in
some of the rooms of the abandoned high school where we were filming, so the
only thing I wanted to do was accompany Irene so I could hear her sing all day.
I remember another van ride where I saw Irene writing on a notepad. I asked
here what she was working on and she turned it around to show me - it was the
lyrics to Hot Lunch Jam, which we were going to record - that night. It’s hard
to imagine that Irene is no longer on the planet, but I can definitely see her
light up the sky."
Valerie Landsburg:
Debbie Allen:
"My Heart is Broken. 💔
#IreneCara was such a gifted and beautiful genius. Her
talent and her music will LIVE FOREVER! FOREVER REMEMBER HER NAME, #FAME! 😢❤️"
Lori Singer:
Loretta Chandler:
I had the honor to work with this beautiful person when she
was writing for various movies. She
invited me to come hang out at her studio.
We worked on a couple of songs and shared stories. I loved her in "Sparkle". Will miss her dearly."
Erica Gimpel:
"It is with profound sadness and shock that I share my
thoughts and feelings about the recent passing of Irene Cara. Life is so
fragile and it seems to move so quickly… Irene’s passing feels like a wake up
call to “Do what you love!” And to “Do it now!”
The first time I saw Irene on screen was in the film
Sparkle, it was 1976 and I was 12 years-old. I watched the film at the Edison
movie theater on 103rd St. and Broadway in Manhattan. This was the type of
movie theater where people talked to the screen, so it was loud, visceral and
alive. I was taken in by the film and the magic of Lonette McKee’s work, and
then the incredible talent of Irene Cara. Her singing and honesty in her work
as an actress was captivating and so fully present in the moment, she lit up
the screen. I also felt like I was seeing people who looked like me, people I
was growing up with… I loved this film so much… and I loved Irene in it.
Years later I got accepted into the HS for the Performing
Arts, and during my first year we got to see a private screening of the film
Fame, which was based on my school. And there she was again… Irene Cara leaping
off the screen as Coco Hernandez singing with her whole heart in “Out Here On
My Own “and the iconic song “Fame.” I left the movie theater dancing down the
street with my friends, so honored to be going to the school the film was based
on. Then two years later, I got an audition for “Fame” the TV Series, and for
the role of Coco Hernandez… I got the
part!
I have to admit it was a lot to step into, but I knew I had
to make the role my own, so I gave everything I had to the character of Coco
and I loved her.
Irene had a huge influence on my life. I had profound
respect for her as an artist. She was a true triple threat.
Then, in the late 80’s I get a call from her inviting me to
be in her music video “Girlfriends”,
she’d heard I roller-skated and the video was about an all girls roller team. I
gladly joined her… Life offers you moments where you get to connect with the
people that have influenced your life in profound ways… that day was one of
those moments.
Dearest Irene you will be missed, but your incredible legacy
will live on. You were a trailblazer… Watching interviews you revealed how you
weathered many storms in this business, but for me your work rose above it all!
You are and will be profoundly respected for all the years to come, for your
contribution to music that inspired millions of people around the world… and
for the one 12 year-old girl who you deeply touched… which was me.
I thank you for everything, and now may your spirit soar as
you light up the universe with your beautiful voice and song!
As you “Light up the Sky like a Flame!”
Thank you for all you have given us! May you Rest in Eternal and Powerful Sweet Peace 🕊️💜🕊️"
Laura Dean:
"I was in disbelief until I spoke to my sister this morning, who confirmed that the enormously talented and radiant Irene Cara had passed away. We first met Irene when we were little girls, at the Little Miss America Pageant in Palisades, New Jersey. We would get there super early to be signed in first, but Irene would already be there, with her dear mamma, before us, signed in and ready to perform. We went to dance classes together at Phil Black's studio (above an adult "dance hall") on 50th Street and Broadway, and I remember how focused Irene was. She was a dynamo who could sing, dance, and act, the definition of a triple threat. Irene was a role model and someone I aspired to be like. When she played Lillie Mae in the Broadway musical "The Me Nobody Knows" I bought the album and sang along with her. A few years later when I played Lillie Mae on tour, I did my best to channel her vocal technique. We finally got to work together in 1979 shooting the film "Fame" in our hometown of New York City. She was always on set early preparing for whatever scenes we were shooting. She was a perfectionist, an artist, and a diligent professional. I can't believe she is gone. Good night, sweet Irene
💔💔💔."
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