Cara, who was born in New York City in 1962, first wowed audiences at the age of five and went on to appear in the hit film Flashdance.
Her publicist stated that she died at her Florida home, the cause of death unknown.
Cara won an Academy Award for her song Flashdance… What A Feeling is a song from the 1980s hit film Flashdance that has become an anthem for her generation.
Cara’s co-star in Fame, Lee Curreri, was among many who paid tribute to her.
He posted a black-and-white photo of her on Instagram, along with a heart symbol.
“It is with tremendous grief that I announce the demise of Irene Cara on behalf of her family,” a statement said.
“She was a wonderfully brilliant soul whose music and pictures will live on forever.”
Cara, who was born in New York City in 1962, first wowed audiences when she was only five years old.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family! RIP