Why was Irene Cara blackballed from the industry?

[@KarineAlourde]

“We have a tendency in this country that when we say Black it automatically means Black Americans. But that's a big mistake, and that keeps us divided. There are Blacks all over this entire world-even in Africa.” -Irene Cara

[@tracyrobinson4597]

🌺she was very talented🌺

[@lornacharles3858]

Karine ... Irene Cara was a talented STAR😊😊😊😊 SHE DIDN'T SOLD HER SOUL, TO THE INDUSTRY 😊😊😊😊

[@CozyRozeBudz]

THIS‼️

[@montprice6722]

That doesn't keep us divided! Alot of them don't wanna be associated as black Americans unless it benefits them and have negative things about us....that is what keep us divided!

[@jeannettetaveras6387]

Exactly. I don't understand why people get so confused. There are black Hispanics. The same African blood is running through our veins. The only difference is the language and culture.

[@deborahohaire5936]

She was different and wouldnt compromise with the "industry" standards. We miss you Irene Cara..RIP Queen.

[@rickdack1197]

It's so sad that untalented executives take advantage of Talented people

[@COO415]

She died?. Wiki time...

[@eliciaellis7428]

@rickdack1197I totally agree.

[@dbrown9495]

I'm glad she continued to fight for her royalties. Took ten years but she won a million dollar settlement. But she deserves much more

[@alangraham7390]

She passed away a few years ago

[@Jesse-eu7tx]

I didn’t know that, I’m crying and praying for her.

[@Jesse-eu7tx]

Irene CARA, got her hair done at the shop I worked for on 79th and Lexington. She was kind and beautiful,……The stylist would hide her in the corner of the shop as everyone of my generation knew her. 😊

[@FernandoChaves]

They never paid her. They claimed bankruptcy. Not much of a win.

[@JaeDee123]

There’s ALOT of colorism still in the Hispanic / Latin / Spanish speaking communities! 😩😞

[@MrYeeYuh1]

You mean in the black community.

[@allthingstonya8931]

@@MrYeeYuh1the black community is add on. It’s current in all that’s stated+

[@nuthinbutlove]

Understatement

[@cecegiles7753]

​@@MrYeeYuh1open your eyes

[@eyesthrurosecoloredglasses]

​@MrYeeYuh1 No they meant the Hispanic/Latino communities as well. People forget that a lot of people circumvent both aspects and it is NOT fun. If anything if being black in the white American majority of the US is hard being black in the Latino communities can be a hot mess. Colorism is a blight over the world.

[@truthhurts...6574]

Saying a woman is difficult to work with is code for she can't be controlled, mistreated, or lying on her back for some producer with power. 💐🕊

[@cfoster6804]

Bingo!

[@michaellane486]

BOOM! You hit the nail squarely on it's head. By NOW people should easily SIDE-EYE that statement and see it for what it is.

[@theninjacat7200]

Absolutely!!! Say that again...louder for the folks in the back. So true!!!

[@lpgilber]

Amen!!!

[@2studiosinc62]

I get that same code language from women!

[@CarolAnn-gh9fl]

Hollywood has a terrible habit of abusing their best, then throwing them away. She was an incredible talent. RIP

[@BrenJen86]

She was so beautiful and talented. RIP Irene

[@AA-ct7cb]

She was the real thing.

[@StephanieBlanks-fl3fj]

Yes she was Beautiful ❤️

[@NellyNutmeg]

She could sing, act, dance and was beautiful 🌺

[@mthor2346]

She probably didnt sleep around and the industry banned her.

[@gigiarmany]

EXACTLY 😒

[@japhya0378]

Naaaw, she was doing good until she got big headed and told everyone that she Cuban/Puerto Rican... not black. She thought that she had made it, but she quickly found out that there were no roles out there for Cuban Puerto Ricans, and the white people definitely were not going to give up their roles to her..

[@jeanc.5926]

I say the same thing

[@natashaedwards9620]

YES!!!

[@terrancereynolds6683]

I believe that!

[@Shelviliger]

I grew up loving her! She was such a triple threat. (Singer, dancer and actor) And the industry refused to pay her worth. She stood up for what was right back in the 80's and they made her suffer for it!!! I truly miss this beautiful talent!💐💐💐

[@Shelviliger]

@TaniaEvansmrvain Yes! So talented with such humility and class. We'll sorely miss her!

[@eliciaellis7428]

Yes,she was the total package!❤🎉🎉🎉

[@conniejackson5937]

She was a beautiful woman of color. Period!

[@shanteecoleman8003]

IkR 😂

[@eileenbrazil8039]

She was a beautiful woman...PERIOD..

[@ClockitENT]

Calling someone “of color” Is extremely problematic and offensive.

[@1_star_reviews]

I swore I was going to grow up and give birth to 3 daughters just like the Sparkle movie. 😂😂😂 It didn’t work out like that for me but I did get 1 daughter

[@jazzyjay3885]

Lovely comment

[@damali-karlawhittaker6462]

I remember her when her as a child star on THE ELECTRIC COMPANY, when I was young.😊💐💐💐🕊

[@georgeharris9873]

What a true gem we lost. REST IN POWER QUEEN IRENE.

[@facesbydeenicole]

I cried when she passed. Hollywood was and is a crazy lifestyle. That beautiful woman probably did not bend for them. I can careless what they thought about her getting an award. She was an actress, she earned it and she repped women. RIP QUEEN 💐🌺🌸

[@GabriellahItaly]

I cried when Irene Cara passed. "Flashdance (What a Feeling" is one of my favorite songs 💐🌸🌹🌼

[@AA-ct7cb]

She was so talented.

[@alexmills630]

I was so shocked and absolutely devastated when I heard about her passing 😢 💔 That's one of my favorite songs too. Her whole What a Feelin playlist is wonderful 💜💜

[@Debra-k1f]

That song and movie bring back my early adulthood. I'm sad she passed away 😢. Her upbeat sound always brings a smile to my face and some pep in my step. Good times!! May she 🙏 RIP

[@crystalwaters8852]

She took the clot shot.💔

[@KeishaGray-n2y]

What a Feelin, was a great song i miss Irene Cara, may her memory live on forever.❤

[@carmaela2689]

Black or white, all women need women like this to look up to. Strong minded, bold, having high standards, and pride in herself. Beautiful, talented lady. Thanks for telling her story.

[@talenalewis1823]

Yes indeed! Well said

[@christineml1476]

Hearing Irene makes me want to get the girls together, wear off shoulder sweatshirts and go to the gym and lift dumbbells. Still one of my favorite movies. ❤

[@KarineAlourde]

I know right. It’s fun music 😍😍

[@MichaelBowden-pb1rg]

🌹🌺 I 💕 loved her 🎵🎶🎼 MUSIC & her Acting talents 🎥👑📸. I 💖 her Afro Latina background .

[@t-babyyupressed2906]

😂

[@chocolatecaramel4447]

Josephine Baker (1906-1975) One of the first black women to leave her mark on the dance world, Josephine Baker’s legacy is synonymous with sensuality, bravery and uninhibited passion. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Baker grew up with little and quickly developed an independent spirit, learning to provide for herself and make her own way. This free and bold behavior led her to perform across the country with The Jones Family Band and The Dixie Steppers in 1919. By the time she sashayed onto a Paris stage during the 1920s, she was confident in her abilities and performed with a comic, yet sensual appeal that took Europe by storm.

[@AnneMartinez-n4w]

Black is global way of saying all of migration overseas everywhere however they do use it to separate everyone

[@rickdack1197]

"What A Feeling" is a God-given song. It lifts your spirit to another level. You can feel it!"The opening portion was from her movie SPARKLE from the 70s.

[@jackieedmondson8422]

Racism comes in many colors and nationalities. It is extremely tiresome. Everyone should have just been focused on her TALENT.

[@jazzyjay3885]

She definitely was talented and beautiful.

[@facesbydeenicole]

This!!

[@marimcge]

💯 truth!!

[@jolenesimon6123]

​@@jazzyjay3885And a culture vulture

[@eugeniaboone5602]

​@@jolenesimon6123 How was she a culture vulture? 🤔 Explain.

[@LeeHow2016]

🌺🌸🌼🌻🌼🌺🌸🌼🌺🌸 I never saw her as black or latin, I just saw her as talented!

[@bbltz1440]

Yes black Hispanic are not acknowledge in the Hispanic community. There are lots of actors who are great actors and the Black American community acknowledges their talent, at the end of the day the world sees you as black and there is nothing wrong with that I think is wonderful. Irene Open doors for Black African American and also Black Hispanic American and I think that is wonderful! 💐🌹🌺🌷🌸💮🏵️🌻🌼

[@Cinnam0nr0ll]

Who the hell told you that? Did you hear the video? It was ya'll hating on this woman not no hispanic people.

[@bbltz1440]

@@Cinnam0nr0ll have you ever have seen in the Hispanic community any black actors being awarded, and the only one who was awarded was Celia Cruz and she was a singer. There is no black people giving the news except for one black Hispanic news caster . There are no black actors in novels I know because I watch...

[@Cinnam0nr0ll]

@bbltz1440 Don't deflect what does that have to do with blk people in America saying she's not African American & shouldn't have those roles? She didn't speak Spanish, how would she be in any hispanic roles...especially in America. She was American sweetheart, you do know that right? Celia Cruz was Cuban...there are blk people all over Cuban soap operas & in music so I really don't know where you're getting to.

[@bbltz1440]

@@Cinnam0nr0ll even if she tried for a role in the Hispanic community, sweetheart she was not going to make it, she had a choice and she made a smart choice. Irene was Black Hispanic raised in The United States

[@Cinnam0nr0ll]

@bbltz1440 No, she wasn't African American enough...in the 70s there weren't too many hispanic roles on TV or film anyway what are you talking about? Not every hispanic role was played by hispanics even Tony Montana in the movie Scarface was played Robert DeNiro which is of Italian decent, he's not Cuban. Steven Bauer was actually Cuban but didn't get the leading role.

[@AaronWillsInc]

I met her a few years before she passed, and she was looking and just an amazing person. We sat down and had a conversation which loves you girl she was amazing still is.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@chelseagirl278]

My heart broke when I heard Irene Cara passed away. She was SO talented in an industry in the 70/80s that was truly ruled by the old boys club. If you look at any picture of her, she is always smiling and glowing! Her music and talent will always live on in our hearts.

[@japhya0378]

It wasn't as simple as you said. Once Cara's head got big, she screamed from the roof top that she wasn't black. That is why black American was done with her, as she had played many many roles that should have gone to a black Americans.

[@toniamoss3975]

Irene was the real deal, a remarkable talent and beauty. Truly underrated. She should have been a bigger star.

[@bfs1209]

Loved her in Sparkle and Fame...such a great all around artist.

[@carlitah74]

I also was curious after Fame why I never heard too much about her. I used to love watching the show Fame when I was little, I'm 49. I remember when Debbie Allen was on the show Fame. I remember watching Flashdance.

[@TheLoveweaver]

She was also very kind. I played drums with her in the Budhist Marching band.

[@jokuz9133]

Wow

[@goldenlady1213]

Thanks for sharing. Wish someone would interview her family members.

[@ZaniahSlayed]

Just because you’re not African American doesn’t mean you’re not black it’s just a different history. Growing up my family always called me sparkle ❤ my mom is half Puerto Rico and she is a black women our dna comes back majority Nigerian

[@dianahasan5020]

Same history just a different stop ❤

[@2intriguing1]

Shes dope but still should have been marketed and awarded for who she was and not as black.

[@Imissyoulou]

@@2intriguing1 Black with a capital B.

[@lannak21]

​​​@2intriguing1 She was Black. Just not American...

[@SupaStar100]

When are people going to understand that genetics and nationality are 2 different things? People need to know that being born in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, or any other country does not make a black person any less than that, but they can be identified as the country they were born in. Born in Puerto Rico = Puerto Rican which is usually nothing but mixed black people that can speak another language. The roots of the people are black though(from all nations). Black people come in different shades of brown and hair texture. White people integrating themselves to cause this mania really has messed people minds up. It is a shame how much power everybody gived white people. I am sick and tired of people playing dumb trying to water down being black yet their culture is black but just in another form. People really need to grow tf up! This is elementary school stuff.

[@c2shiningc903]

Irene was so beautiful and talented. I loved her growing up. Over the years, I used to wonder what happened to her and why she wasn't working. Thank you, Karine, for covering her.

[@thetruesoulofanaquarius9302]

Irene Cara was so beautiful and talented. Another one who didn't receive her flowers she deserved before she passed away. R.I.P.❤❤❤

[@TheReneex]

Irene was a multitalented entertainer. She was beautiful and could sing. She wrote two back to back monster hits of the 1980’s that shot to number one; Fame & What a Feeling. Her unique career in film, music, and television was a rarity. The fixation on race is really daunting. Irene was a multifaceted entertainer who unfortunately was black balled and had to travel to Europe later in her career to sustain her livelihood.

[@brivonn1580]

Wow she was georgous! I truly believe it was jealousy surrounding her career was hindered by so many negative people that was not in her best interest. I didn't know it was her that made that song too. May she rest in peace she definitely deserve her flowers 💐

[@charjay3318]

Irene Cara had the beautiful hue of the indigenous people of Puerto Rico just as some of us have it from here! I grew up admiring Irene Cara and never thought about her ethnicity. Thank You for you videos Karine Alourde!

[@RhaegarTargaryen1st]

*_🎶Baby, look at me and tell me what you see. You ain't seen the best of me yet. Give me time, I'll make you forget the rest. I've got more in me, and you can set it free. I can catch the moon in my hand. Don't you know who I am? Remember my name!...🎶_* I ❤️ Irene Cara! RIP. 💐🌹🌷🌺🌻🌼💐

[@sORrYiMLaTe_wHAtdiDiMisS]

*FAAAAAAME...I'm gonna live forever, I'm gonna learn how to fly, high....*

[@elihubildad6677]

I thought that was Donna summers song

[@alwaysalady2217]

R.I.P Irene💐💐💐

[@anye76]

She was so talented. I longed to go to a school like Fame. My favorite song of hers is Out Here On My Own. Once again the industry strikes again. May she rest in peace💐⚘💖💞💕🕊

[@beaupianiste3738]

"Out Here on My Own" is the Best! My favorite. Sad to hear that she died, RIP, Rest in Peace, Rest in Power... 💕💓💯💫

[@gemartsiha]

She worked really hard ❤

[@joyful_tanya]

I loved that song. You brought memories flooding back. I think I am going to have to go listen to that song now. We had an excellent performing arts department in my high school. We sang and won chorale awards all over the country. We would have an open mic day and this song was a favorite of ours to sing. My best friend could play it on the piano. Class of 1983 & 1984. ❤

[@pinaypaparazzi6231]

Irene Cara was a part of my youth. When I moved to London for work years ago, the first theater production I watched was "Fame." I wanted to see if there were differences between the film, the tv series and the theater production when it came to the songs featured. "Anyone Can See" and "Out Here On My Own" were a part of my go to songs during karaoke nights with friends and family. Just recently though, after the pandemic, she replied to us, her fans (I think it was in her YT channel for her music videos) in real time in the comments section when we mentioned how we loved her music and praised her voice, (it is quite difficult to sing her songs in its original key, to high) thanking everyone. We didn't know or expect that she was reading the comments at that time. So, I felt very sad when she passed away. Had to watch and listen to her music video of "Out Here On My Own" as my tribute to her. Such a humble person and a gifted artist. Rest in peace, Ms. Irene Cara. ❤🎉🎉🎉

[@soniatenorio4438]

Flash dance was a Huge HIT I was in jr high & we loved all the dancing music & Irene . 🌹🌷 and we didn’t care if she was black or afo Latina.. all we saw was a great dancer& singer. & a great movie!! ❤️

[@shawnradcliffe701]

❤❤❤❤❤Rest in eternal peace Irene Cara

[@justsayYvette]

She was one of the best. She was an actress...period!! This should not be about race!!

[@dianahasan5020]

Afro Latina representing ❤

[@jolenesimon6123]

Not accepted as Black. Totally not accepted in Latin community. They don't like y'all

[@Heatherj-yg5vs]

I must have been six or seven. My dad lived in the same apartment building in NYC as she did and he introduced me. She was the most glamorous woman I had ever seen. She had something like a light about her that as a child made me think "goddess". Very kind and friendly, gracious to my father and so otherworldly beautiful. ❤

[@MissKMR]

Ms. Irene was a beautiful Afro-Latina and an excellent artist. My favorite role of hers was as Sparkle the original and best 💐😍✨️

[@santlui519]

Her name was Irene EsCAleRA. hence, her stage name CARA.Her father was Gaspar Escalera, and her mother was Luisa Escalera ( though I don't know her maiden name, and she never told me). She had 1 older brother whose name was Mario Escalera, and 1 sister Mirta (aka Eva) Escalera. Both of them were my half-brother and half-sister, who were related by mother. My mother was their mother and was later divorced, and soon father married Luisa I had the honor of briefly seeing her and her then fiance, who visited our brother. The Escalera family, unfortunately, was not as close as I had hoped it would be. Empathy, love, and all the beautiful things that a family could have been seemed nonexistent. Everyone lived a solitary life without not even a Happy Birthday or family reunion. Unfortunately, if I am not mistaken, and please correct me if I am wrong, Irene died alone with no one at her side. Though she had Fame, was she truly happy? I would have loved to get to know her, not because of her stardom, but as a human who needed so much more beauty, love, and grace. I miss her, even though I met her once. I am happy that she has so many admirers, and may those beautiful people keep sending her contiuned love. 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤

[@FallGuy467]

It should be noted that Irene passed around the 1st of November '22 and her body wasn't found until the 25th. The media and the autopsy that came out in early '23 suggested that she was reclusive in Largo and was in poor health and not taking her prescribed medication. I was and still today in mourning of her so I did some research, including reaching out to her manager/talent agent. There were plans for a "memorial" and foundation in her name that never materialized. Also there was an auction of Irene's possessions and memorabilia, the house in Largo was sold, and there were legal issues between the management/agent and Antoinette and her daughters (beneficiaries) over fees related to biohazard cleanup of the house and the management trying to take over Caramel Productions. Were you privy to any of this? I agree 💯 with you, I wish I could have gotten the chance to know and love her, and care for her and show her how she touched so many lives in this world. Irene will always have a special place in my heart and may she Rest in Heavenly Peace 🙏🏿🕊️😔💔

[@santlui519]

@FallGuy467 Good morning/afternoon/evening. No, I did not know any of this. Our brother, Mario, who was a jazz musician, was somewhat close to Irene. He would have told me this and maybe even gotten involved. But he passed away approximately 2 years before Irene. I say approximately because I did not know of his death until I read it by coincidence via this phone. The only remaining member is her sister Eva, and ironically, she too lived a life similar to Irene. She, too, neglected taking her meds, the use of a biohazard company in her home, and seclusion. Our brother and sister were difficult people to deal with, and / or perhaps Irene was the same way. It may run in the family. I, who am a distant family member & observer, can't help but notice that I took am heading down that path. Irene and all of what remains of my family, our sister Eva, have taught me many things, too numerous to text here. Two of which stand out are fame or not, no man is an island , & love does not exist, but is felt.

[@santlui519]

PS Thank you for your time and attention. Praying that time will be the true healer of your heart.

[@AnaGarciaz-rd5gr]

Irene Cara is so beautiful & Very Talented. What did you expect from Hollywood? Look at the mess that Hollywood & Jennifer Lopez, P Diddy & Clive Davis & J-Z including Ellen DeGeneres have Done!!!! Plus so many other Uber Rich People.

[@daughterofkingjesus7350]

To all ladies of all color, don't depend on people to tell you that you are beautiful. Own it because you are beautiful. Take it from someone who live to be 70 and proud of it.

[@virginiamorales1591]

Irene Cara was an american idol in the 80’s. She deserved every award she received because she was a hard worker and because she was so talented. It’s a shame that she was cancelled, because she was fighting for her own money and this hasn’t changed a bit nowadays. Wow it’s so sad how her career ended. 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@starexplorers1202]

I wrote a book on Irene's life called Cinderella Superstar: Remembering Irene. It goes into a lot more detail about her lawsuit and her desire to be an independent artist. It's available on KDP Amazon for those fans that wish to understand Irene's spirit and belief to spread love and peace.

[@AngelaGoodwin-fh6fw]

So happy you're talking about Irene. She was multi-talented and beautiful no matter her heritage. However, I understand how some black women, especially equally talented actresses who were looked over. But, I blame racism and colorism which has affected communities of color for centuries, and Hollywood, unfortunately mirrors those concepts. Her passing was so sad. She deserved better treatment. Btw, my favorite song is "OUT HERE ON MY OWN". So moving. RIP Irene Cara🌹

[@katherinejohnson2531]

The first time I saw Irene Cara was in Roots the Second Generation. I thought she was so beautiful. Thank you for your story about her 🎉. I would like to hear about the other two women of Sparkle if you haven't done so already. Lonette Mckee was in quite a few movies in the 70's. I don't know much about the other woman Dwan Smith but it would be interesting to learn about her as well.

[@HARDROCKFOREVER1]

What a voice! Irene Cara is one of the 80's pop Star, she will be always remembered!

[@ontheroadhome4796]

Oh I have always liked her song "Out Here On My Own". And she sings it with so much feeling so much heart.

[@tamiiagrisham6353]

Karine I love your work!!! Yes, Irene does deserve her flowers. 💐 💐🌷🌷🌷🪻🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🪷🪷🪷🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹❤️💕🪷🪷🪷🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹💕❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@your.beautiful.mind.now.]

SPARKLE!!!! I absolutely LOVE Irene Cara!!!!! Gonna go watch Fame in her honor!!!❤❤❤🌹🥀🥀🥀🌹

[@JD-zw5os]

You’ve just inspired me to go looking for it. Found the movie to rent from Amz. I think I’d only watched the tv series 😮

[@Crysalcat]

Sister and the Sisters

[@alisastimage3167]

I grew up listening to her and luckily for her May she rest in heaven ❤💐💐💐 💐

[@missladybug73]

I miss her! She was way underrated. ❤ She deserved way more flowers than she got. 💐 🌹 🌸 🏵 🌼 💐 🌹 🌸 🏵 🌼 💐 🌹 🌸 🏵 🌼 💐 🌹 🌸 🏵 🌼 💐 🌹 🌸 🏵 🌼 💐 🌹 🌸 🏵 🌼 💐 🌹

[@s_h_a_w_n_d_a8903]

She had a sadness in her eyes. She was so beautiful and talented. It’s a shame how the industry did her. Yes she absolutely deserves her flowers! May she (Sleep In Peace) 🎭🏆🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️❤️🙏🏽💐💐💐

[@longbranch11207]

She was a stunning black woman. People were just jealous of beauty. Nobody bat an eye when Celia Cruz whom was Afro Latina claimed her blackness.

[@IvianaWilliams-m3d]

Don’t quite understand your comment…Celia was Cuban: Irene was both Puerto Rican and Cuban! Why always lumping everyone of color!?

[@IvianaWilliams-m3d]

Was the term AfroLatina even used back then. She should have had Latina roles. Oh this ? Jennifer Lopez wants to escape her roots, plays “white”, roles mostly, then she’s happy!

[@IvianaWilliams-m3d]

She was stunning for any color and she radiated joy which has no color

[@longbranch11207]

What don’t you understand? They were both Afro Latinas. When Celia called herself black and sang about being black nobody said anything. There was no backlash. Now when Irene claimed the same thing as Celia, she got a lot of push backs. The push backs were from jealousy from her stunning good looks and she was the hit girl back in her days . Had she looked like Celia and playing black maids nobody would have cared what she was .

[@JeanFleming-gd6mm]

She was an AFRICAN WOMAN PERIOD!!!! AND SHE WAS "BROWN". MY FAMILY IS THERE TOO, LIKE "AAAASLLLL BLACK PEOPLE!!!. LEAVE HER ALONE .!! SHE'S AN AFRICAN IN SO CALLED AMERICA. VISIBLY BLACK. MY MOTHER CAME TO THIS COUNTRY CALLED NON-BLACK AS I WAS LATER ON. ACCEPT IT THEY DIVIDED US UP !!! WHY DON'T YOU CALL US ENGLISH AMERICAN'S. IN THE USA. YOU CAN SEE SHES OUR BLACK SISTER!! Have a blessed day. ​@@longbranch11207

[@sharasullen8992]

She's so beautiful ❤

[@cindyc12]

My favorite movie role she played was in the original Sparkle, still my fav and I still know all the dance moves 😂. But this was interesting...I always wondered why she didn't receive the credit she deserved and sad what she encountered back then with her identity and colorism is still occurring today . Rest on to this talented beauty

[@ethomas1995]

💐💐💐🕯As a child, "Fame" was the go-to. But with age, "Out Here On My Own," is an all hitter. I sang along to "What A feeling" aisle to aisle at the supermarket tonight when it came on. 😂😂

[@bitokay147]

I had no idea she sung all of these amazing songs. Thanks for sharing.

[@karencarter9681]

So sad when I heard of her passing I couldn't believe it I enjoyed her talents in music and acting Gone too soon we Miss her 😢❤

[@wildwaning9427]

Thanks for covering Irene!! But "a little bit of colorism?" Even to this day, the intra-racism in that community is off the chain. You know their saying...improve the race and it's meaning. I remember her on The Electric Co. However, Irene was Afro-Latina. Period. She broke ground but during that time if you wanted to work you had to basically pick a group for lack of decent opportunities from either side in the industry. She did consider herself "Blk." 🌹🌷🌸🌸🌺🌺

[@pattyaguon9875]

❤

[@dawnbryant6784]

Anyone with eyes can see she is black or at the very least, mixed with black. Then they say full-fledged Puerto Rican? well I have news for everyone. Puerto Rican is not a race but rather and ethnicity. And there are both black and white Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, etc.

[@wildwaning9427]

@@dawnbryant6784 Yeah, that one blew my mind.

[@Rodrasroom]

My mom used to get stopped because people thought she was Irene.

[@motheroats]

In elementary school music class we learned What A Feeling and it was such a vivid memory for ppl in the class. The soundtrack of my life. Thank you for making this video. May she rest in peace and her legacy keep being passed down to the younger generations

[@jokuz9133]

Irene was a treasure. Her spirit was so beautiful. She probably is the only celeb i miss. RIP Queen

[@ShanecaRene]

She was a pure gem..may she rest easy 🕊🤍🌺

[@chump315]

I do understand wanting your ethnicity to be respected and acknowledging roots at the same time if she was Afro-Lantina yes ideally she would have been acknowledged that way. It’s just a stop on the boat or acknowledging what empire we were colonized by… if it’s looked at any other way it’s short sighted

[@valeriapope8250]

RIP Irene..💐🌸🌺🌻🌹🥀

[@johnsonzz-jw3oz]

Thanks for this video. I was a big fan of Irene. I first remember seeing her on the "Electric Company" when I was six years old. I followed her career from Aaron Loves Angela, Sparkle, Fame, "Roots" and Flash dance. I also had the Jet magazine with her on the cover as well and remember reading her story in it. She was so talented and it is a shame how her career faded. May she rest in peace, as she is still missed.

[@CutiepieCaramel]

Thanks for making this vid!!! I always wondered why Irene disappeared 😕. I'm a multi-ethnic blk woman. Yes, that's a thing. I'm Latina, Black and Caucasian. More than one thing can be true at once. How can you take away roles from a group you're still in??? White presenting Latinas get to play the roles of Hispanics, it's just how it goes. Colorism exists in every race and ethnicity; darker=bad, less than, and that's still happening now. Irene could've been Diana Ross and Beyonce before Beyonce!!! She could sing, dance, AND act. She was an entire triple threat! This just goes to show you that talent is NOT enough to be a permanent star in the entertainment industry. You only can by doing unsavory things behind the scenes. Check out Karine's other vids if you don't believe that yet 😐...

[@rainecrowe3779]

Fame & Flash Dance still make me feel ALIVE! 😃🌺🪻🌼💐

[@alexmills630]

OMG!!!! No lie, I was LITERALLY thinking about Irene Cara and how I'd love it if you did a video about her, and then BAM!! Karine, you read my mind 😂💖💖 What a Feeling and Love is the Reason are some of my all-time favorite songs!! God bless Ms. Cara, may she rest easy 🙏🏼💜💜

[@BlackIsBeautiful-qg1lx]

She reminds me of Aliyah R.I.P 🙏🏾🥰🥰

[@joemorgan636]

You mean Aaliyah reminds you Irene she was lovely

[@userSTAR3330]

🛑✝️🙏🏾SHE IS MUCH PRETTIER THAN AALIYAH. THEY LOOK NOTHING AS LIKE. ✝️

[@Dontworryboutitbitch]

@@userSTAR3330anyways they both gorgeous

[@stacyladonna251]

Irene Cara💐almost passed on working with Giorgio Moroder for the “Flashdance” soundtrack because people had been comparing her to Donna Summer, and working with him would have added to it. Moroder was Summer’s producer and sometimes co-writer on some of her huge disco hits. Summer also sued her record company but was able to come to agreement with them. Cara💐and Summer both died at the age of 63.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

I remember those comparisons. Ugh, the industry.

[@Godessgarden]

I wanted to be her when I was a little girl 💚💚💚 thank you for covering her story! You are the best!

[@DeShondaTheFox227]

I love Irene Cara!!! ❤❤ she was so beautiful and talented.

[@jokuz9133]

And uplifting

[@sunnni_]

I loveeeeeeeeeee Flashdance (What a Feeling), its apart of my 80s playlist as its my favorite era. Her music is so fun and energizing which I feel like alot of mainstream music today is missing. 💐💐💐

[@danavixen6274]

Clicked on this IMMEDIATELY! Irene Cara was/is one of my FAVORITES. So beautiful. So TALENTED! I still own multiple movies featuring her songs and great acting. I haven't seen Sparkle or Fame since.... My heart STILL hurts. May Miss Cara rest in paradise! 💐😔🙏🏾❤️🕊️

[@andothermoves]

Irene was a very talented female of the human race. This lady entertained, still does and will always. i believe in God...i am white...i am human. Thank you Karine for this.

[@KimiPetri]

Oh wow I didn’t even know she passed! I looked up to her when I was a little girl. She always played strong women roles. 💐

[@bettylanns330]

She was a beautiful an talented artist, regardless of her race. Still an always will Sparkle.🌺🔥🔥🔥

[@carlaperry1312]

Simply beautiful, I still love the old version of "SPARKLE"🌟🌟,May she cont'u to RIHP🕊🌹🌹🌹🌹🕯

[@lyndawest923]

I admired Irene Cara. She was so talented as a singer, actor, and dancer. Her career was destroyed by the big and powerful executives of the industry. For many years, we would ask around about her. It wasn't until the early 2000 that I heard about her being blackballed. So wrong since she was just standing up for herself.

[@shenamontoya3487]

Rip Beautiful Queen 💐💐💐💐💐🙏🏾❤🙏🏾❤

[@enjoylife1st]

Yes many flowers to Irene Cara, I loved the movie Fame she was authentic & multi talented. It was unfortunate she was blacklisted caused her to miss out on 90's. Prior to her passing I subscribed to her KZbin channel & pleased to know she developed an all female band and listen to music she created. I was shocked & sadden of her death in November 2022, yet also thankful we can still enjoy her artistic talents.🌻🦋

[@tiffanynedd9699]

What a beautiful talent. Sparkle one of my favorite childhood movies.

[@tanyaalston9565]

may she rest in peace, I remember her as a little girl, I use to watch her on tv, I loved her voice, I would by her albums because I love to sing as well, I will always remember her, she was such a great light to so many people.

[@karenkennedy9874]

I’m so sorry to hear about what she went through in her life. Thank you for sharing this information 🥰

[@cat3375]

Irene was one of my favorites to see in film, etc. I remember seeing a few of her movies at the theater. Loved her music! She was beautiful and very talented. It’s unfortunate that she experienced setbacks in the industry, as many others did. RIP Irene💐🌷🌹🌺🌸🌼🌻

[@jalycac5206]

🌺🌺🌺Great video. I never really focused on whether she was black or Latin., I just loved her in Sparkle.❤

[@SonnyCrocket123]

Always the best of the best gets the ish end of the stick...smh...RIP Sister Irene🎉❤

[@sedrunken]

I used to had the biggest crush on Irene. It was so sad of her passing. She definitely stood her ground against prejudice and the industry. She went against the cycle that's happening over and over again. They always use the court or tax to hurt us(Blacks). Although you may win the case or cases, you still lost because it hurt our pockets with legal fees and lies. It keep getting worst every year. Rich Blacks watch your backs. Irene sorry you were one the victim to this. May you Rest In Peace!

[@amaata4746]

She was beautiful & talented. May.her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. ❤🌹 🌸 💐.

[@MichelleBattersby-dw3yy]

We did dance routine talent shows in 5th grade (we were probably terrible lol).....her voice was amazing and she was gorgeous ❤❤❤❤❤ can't believe she's gone😢

[@fleck36]

😢🥀🥀she special. She was moving up it was💔

[@dareedurosseaux7467]

💐💐💐💐🌺🌺🌺🌺🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹I remember going to the theatre to see Fame I absolutely loved that film RIH Irene!

[@lancomenyongo7346]

I love how she was able to show off her powerful voice in so many of her movie roles. She sued the big wigs and won. She owned her music. If you’ve noticed they’ve started using her songs in commercials now that she’s passed. 🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@robreese4677]

Truly a blessed, beautiful and wonderful woman, person and performer she was and she will always be remembered. Rest in peace IC!!! 🙏🏽❤️