Thread by @ericagimpel

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!”
@Irene_Cara
#RestInPeace

2. The first time I saw Irene on screen was in the film Sparkle, in 1976. I was 12 years-old. I watched the film at the Edison movie theater on 103rd and Bdway in Manhattan. This was the type of movie theater where people talked to the screen, so it was loud, visceral and alive.

3. 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.
@lonettemckee @Irene_Cara #Sparkle

4. 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.
#Sparkle @Irene_Cara

5. 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.
@Irene_Cara #fame

6. Watching her sing “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 actually based on.
@Irene_Cara #dancinginthestreetss
#HSofthePerformingArts

7. Two years later, I get 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.
#Fame

8. Irene had a huge influence on my life. I had profound respect for her as an artist. She was a true triple threat.
@Irene_Cara #triplethreat
#artist
#trueartist

9. In the late 80’s I get a call from Irene 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.
@Irene_Cara
#Girlfriends
#musicvideo
#rollerskating

10. Life offers you moments where you get to connect with the person who has influenced your life in profound ways… that day was one of those moments. 🙏🏽
@Irene_Cara

11 Dearest Irene you will be missed,but your incredible legacy will live on. You were a trailblazer and will be respected for many the years to come for your music that inspired millions of people around the world, plus a 12 year-old girl who you deeply touched… Me🙏🏽💜
#grateful

12. 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 🕊️💜🕊️
@Irene_Cara #RIP