Debbie Allen Breaks Down in TEARS Over Irene Cara’s Death (Exclusive)
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- Опубліковано 4 лют 2025
- Legendary choreographer Debbie Allen is remembering the late Irene Cara, who she worked with on the 1980 film ‘Fame.’ ‘Extra’s’ Melvin Robert spoke with Debbie, who became emotional talking about Irene. Debbie also discussed her annual production of the ‘Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.’
I teared up when Debbie did, it's impossible not to. Irene's music was a big part of my growing up and I will never forget her for that. Rest In Peace Irene, your music lives on in us 😢.
Yessssss!! Me 2!!😭
I think this is the 2nd time Debbie cried over a Fame cast member who died, the first was Gene Anthony Ray (Leroy Johnson)
I still cant believe it either.
@@omarcogle1965 Yes!
@@omarcogle1965 You are correct. She was close with Gene Anthony Ray, and he died young 😢 I’m sad about both of their deaths as well because growing up as a child we all sang Fame and seen the movie over and over. Sparkle was sad and yet a good movie as well. RIP 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Debbie Allen is the mama or auntie we all long to have and Irene Cara will always be a shooting star to light the path for our dreams. 🌠
If they do Descendants 4, and if Sarah Jeffrey reprises her role of Audrey, I hope they bring in Debbie Allen as Audrey's grandmother, and she and Sarah have a dance musical number.
Women are capable of being more than parents or aunities. She is not your mom or aunt. She is a successful actress, dancer, producer, and director.
Well said 👏🏻 Rip 🙏 Irene Cara 😢 she will sing and dance for ever in heaven ❤️...!
@@Michelle-pn9xt Yes. And the biggest role a woman can have is being a mother aka a teacher who raises future generations. Let's not be so offended.
@@feefs2139No it’s not. Don’t downplay Debbie’s accomplishments. I agree with the comment above. She is a wonderful dancer, director, etc who HAPPENS to also be a mother. 💯
Irene Cara was the reason I took dance in Jr High. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. She was beautiful,talented,and free! RiP and thanks for all the wonderful memories you left behind 💕
Love Ms Debbie. Saddened to hear of Irene Cara’s death 😭🙏🏾🙌🏾
Me to
That was really REALLY nice what you said @janina8559 and all true ✌️🙏.
@@sharondamilburn2431 Tysvm I am 55 now but remember idolizing her so much!
My mom went to HS with Irene here in NYC back in the 70s. We were completely heartbroken to hear of Irenes passing. Irene was a triple threat in the entertainment world! Irene we love you and you will be missed profusely! Descanse en paz Senora Irena!
Jermaine, those of us who are older. we feel the pain and its worse for Debbie because you don't expect someone to pass at 63 when they've bene in your life and timeline one way or another. its uniquely painful. i understand people pass at any age but even though i didn't know Cara personally i think of all the people that i've lost that imagine back in the day would be growing older with me. May the ancestors welcome her . its Ok we accept their decision.
@@PHlophe Yes. You are correct. Thank you for your comment.
@@PHlophe would you be so kind to explain? Did she took her life? I haven’t found any information as to the cause of her death. Thank you.
@@AbogadodelaVerdad Interesting how so many people are leaving us.....after getting the jab.
Crushed 💔🕊🙏🏽
Irene has been a part of my childhood and teen years. I watched her on the Electric Company. She was in two cult classics: Aaron Loves Angela and Sparkle and on to Fame. This one hits close.
It sure does😢 . I remember her from each of those iconic TV and motion picture productions you mentioned.
I forgot about the Electric Company.
Did she also do a movie in the 80's with Tatum O'Neal? I can't remember the name of it, but I liked watching it on HBO.
YES!! They were convicts, on the run. My Mom rented this movie, back in the 80’s!
DC Cab.... Oh sweet Irene. Wow...She was the girl who made young girls dream.... especially young brown girls. She came after Diana Ross and right before Whitney Houston.... She was so inspiring and unique.
I absolutely love Debbie. She is such a wonderful human being! 💯
Debbie is, and so incredibly talented, dancer, actress, choreographer and director!! You can tell she really loved Irene.
@@barneslx Absolutely.
Very few performers ever get me emotional, but then there is Irene. It's like seeing all the joy of this world just disappear. Maybe some of Debbie's kids can bring some back. 63 for a dancer is just too soon. So much more than just a "flash" and a dance. She was authentic and powerful. 💔
or how much joy is left in the world
Well said. Absolutely agree
Beautiful memories RIP Irene Cara❤💙
There will never be another Irene Cara! She was an immense talent and I love Debbie even much more for acknowledging her gifts. We’ve lost so many wonderful people, but I am grateful we got a chance to experience their light even just once. Irene will always be an integral part of the fabric of American pop culture.
There was no better than Irene Cara.
She gave so much to the world and took so little.
So many hypocrites in the music and entertainment industry looked the other way when Irene Cara needed their help most post Flashdance.
God Bless you Debbie Allen and God Bless all the people to loved and supported Irene Cara throughout her life.
Irene Cara Grammy winner.Irene Cara oscar winner. Irene Cara started millions of careers in the music/arts/dance.And so much more.
I couldn't agree more! I loved her. I was shocked upon hearing her death it was unbeIivable. I was just very, very sad. Is she very ill? I didn't know what happened to her. What a beautiful talented lady! Another music icon, Gone too soon......but forever young.
Facts
Irene was just too good for this world.
Can you explain how did they look the other way??
Debbie Allen has definitely made the world a better place. Condolences to Irene Cara's family and friends. What a terrible loss.
Grew up watching Fame loved her voice and acting 😭 RIP 🌹 Irene Cara 🇵🇷🇨🇺
Dance is so important in young people's life. Debbie Allen just keeps reinventing herself because she loves what she does ♥️ Irene Cara had a unique incomparable talented gift❤️
Yes my heart broke when I heard about Irene passing away. I was a teenager and loved Fame. Seeing and hearing her sing was so uplifting. God Bless her, Rest in Peace.
Debbie you are a beautiful soul those kids will never forget you, now Irene Cara was a joy to watch, she had true talent from a child to adult, beautiful person great singer and actress, there is a movie she is in with Diahann Carroll and Rosalind Cash great cast good story. RIP angel.
Sister Sister is the name and yes.....A Great Movie 🎬
I love Debbie Allen! She is a trailblazer and a icon! I cried tears with her about Irene Cara! I grew up listening to her music ! Rest Well Queen! 🙏🏽
I love Irene and Debbie . I grew up listening to Irene's music and watching Fame and Electric Company
I remember seeing Irene in NY when I was 12 in 1980. Always smiling. She seemed like such a HAPPY person. WOW...Gone WAAAAY too soon!
I grew up idolizing Irene Cara she was a triple threat if there ever was one! I started dance when I was five, singing and acting when I was 7. When Game the movie came out I knew that was my destiny. Irene gave me such inspiration as did the other Fame kids! Rest in Peace Angel.....Light up the sky like a flame! 🌠
Rest on in heaven Irene Cara
I was a child who grew up watching fame... That show taught young people to push forward towards their dreams. ...
Tasha, how old where you back then
I grew up watching Fame too. I love to dance and that show was inspiring.
Really? What goals did it help you reach? What do you do? (job)
The shock is wearing off, now I am grieving. One of the few people I admired as a teenager. Irene you brightened up my 80's . We will remember your name my Afro-Puerto Rican -Cuban Sister Queen. "Remember my name. Fame!
I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna learn how to fly--high!😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
I met Debbie Allen at church once. This is a real woman a real sista a real professional and real human being. I hope god continues to bless her
I hope God continues to bless Irene as well. However I wish God would have helped Irene when she got blacklisted from the recording industry which is why one never from Irene again after the 1980's.
Thanks for the tribute to Irene Cara..she was a trail blazer for women. Her light and power will be missed. Rest in Heaven.. Irene Cara
Debbie Allen is an AMAZING lady and dancer! Irene is apart of her journey, a beautiful lady and singer.
I felt her pain from loosing her friend .I know Debbie is a God sent for all the young people she has helped.
Truly a special beautiful girl. Irene Cara. , Brought that special magic with those beautiful songs. ..Rip ❤️🙏🙏
DEBBIE JUST MADE ME CRY. WILL NEVER FORGET THE 80s. R.I.P. IRENE.
Every time l see and hear Debbie l see my Creole paternal aunts…just beautiful 😍 😍😍😍😍 Who didn’t love Irene Cara? She was multitalented, sweet and humble. Absolutely gorgeous 💖💖💖
Wow, to know a child since 12 and watch her grow, now depart this early plain has got to be painful!!!!!! Let’s all say a prayer for everyone that loved and KNEW Irene Cara!!
Irene Cara and that time of Fame gave me all the inspiration I needed to work hard towards becoming an actress in the UK. I thank that show and all its stars! And then, imagine how I felt when many years later I actually met Auntie Debbie and was taken under her generous enormous wings as a young actress on the set of Amistad…not a moment of disappointment, just more inspiration! Thank you for guiding me to be the person I am today!
Debbie has a compassion unshakable. A heart of gold and still beautiful. Irene Cara's star will never dim. Thanks to the both of you true legends.
She seems to be so loving and genuine!
You all wrote such beautiful things.
Irene Cara will live forever in our hearts.
Debbie Allen, is such a hard working role model .
She will live forever in our hearts and we will remember her name ♥🦋🌺🕊..And Debbie Allen was my first Black she hero ..watching Soul Train and that ULTRA SHEEN commercial would come on and I would jump up and dance like her, still Beautiful 😍❤🤗
I worked for Louis Falco , with the dancers , on the movie Fame ,working on the combinations for the film .
Irene was there doing Falco combinations , and she would jam on my bongos sometimes .
, and she played great , not faking it.
I recorded fot Michael Gore a part of percusion with the dancers . It was cut , but , Irene was there doing a demo of out here on my own , and her voice was phenominal.
Her acting is top quality .
Irene Cara is an incredably tallented artist , rest in peace
Those are good memories for you Andrew. Thank you for sharing.
Debbie Allen seems like such a joyful person. I looked her date of birth up: she's gonna be 73 in January! 😮 She looks so good and not in a mummified Hollyweird way.
My heart is broken! Fly high Ms. Irene Cara! You're gonna make it to heaven...just like your song. Rest in eternal peace.
Nicessssss and live forever. GOD bless ✌️🙏 peace and love and blessings 🙏✌️.
She did made it to heaven 🙏🏽❤️
@@deloresvaughan7058 I couldn't agree more. Thank you for your lovely comment.
Rest in paradise, beautiful, talented Irene Cara.😢💔😞 Thank you for your work that created our childhood soundtrack.❤️ We'll remember your name.💫🕊️🌹🕯️
Love Debbie Allen! It must be really hard to see someone die younger than you. Irene was an amazing talent and she is gone too soon!
I can watch Fame even today 2022. Classic and inspiring💕 Rest in heaven Ms.Irene Cara. 💐💐💐
Irene Cara motivated so many of us, growing up in Brooklyn we aspired to be as great as she was🥲🙏🏾👏🏾🌹💐💐
Debbie saying she's proud of you is like cloud 9. I would feel so honored to hear those words from her. She, her sister and brother are so accomplished. Alot of people don't know her brother was in "A Different World," as a character.
Irene Cara OMG RIP 🙏 she was one of my favorite singers from the 80s she was so beautiful RIP irene beautiful voice she had 🇵🇷🇵🇷
🇨🇺 On her mom's side of the family and 🇵🇷 on her dad's side. De un pajaro, las dos alas. RIP IRENE. 🕊
@@marla591 Exactly!!! Cuban Power baby!😁🇨🇺
Black power! 🖤
I truly wanted Irene to make a return to showbusiness but what she did lives on.
She was blacklisted for fighting for her royalties. She lived the best she could considering the toll.
I loved Debbie Allen all my life. She was such an inspiration in my childhood. May Irene Cara rest in peace ❤
That woman is something else. As so was Irene, God Bless Her.❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love her. She seems so genuine. Ever since "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh"
She's really strong so I cried when Debbie Allen teared up.😢🙏🏽
Rest in Peace, Irene Cara. Beautiful interview. All stay blessed.
The best experience ever. I was able to work with her and have dance/ exercise lunches with her. She is truly THAT AMAZING. Blessings to her and stormin' Norman always. Beautiful people. We are blessed to live in a world with both of them ♡
I love Irene Cara...she worked so to be to Excellent performing phenom from such a very young age. Then to be betrayed by a segment of the industry that she fought to recover her earnings from. I wish she would've stayed with Broadway... Her original catalyst and forte , instead of that other intatie. She should've been more respected though out her life. I so hate that she's gone, but I'll never forget her. She'll live forever. Fame. 💖😥🙏🏽
Irene was my inspiration when I was young. She's one of the reasons why I became a professional dancer and actress. My heart aches knowing she is no longer with us...💔
God, I loved Irene Cara! God bless her.
She was eccentric!
I love her too.
@@selinahester5536 No, that's Kanye West. Irene was a hero.
LOVED HER!!!💕Such A SUN RAY OF LIGHT And ENERGY!!!💕 I Was In High School When FAME First Came Out!!!💕 Who Didn’t Want To Be IRENE CARA!!!💕 We Simply Loved Her And The Entire Cast of FAME Especially LEROY And of Course The DYNAMIC SUNBURST of DEBBIE ALLEN!!!💕 FAME Gave People From ALL Backgrounds HOPE, Especially People of Color!!!💕FAME Was Before It’s TIME And Will LIVE On FOREVER In Our HEARTS!!!💕We LOVE You IRENE💕 REST IN POWER💕We Will ALWAYS REMEMBER Your NAME!!! 😎💕🙏🏾Blessings . . . Thank You For Sharing
Irene Cara was/is and will always be my first Idol and Icon Mrs Debbie made me cry just talking about her Debbie is an Amazing incredible woman just like her sister their mother is one heck of a example ❤
Sending my condolences 🙏 to Irene Cara's family. I grew up watching Irene. I first set eyes on Irene when she played in the original Sparkle, in 1976. I was in the eight grade. Myself and three girlfriends went to the movies on Easter. Such a talented actress and singer. Rest in Heaven Irene 🙏 God Bless
LOVE HER, SHE IS SO BEAUTIFUL, AND SO MULTITALENTED LIVING LEGEND
Saw Debbie Allen get her star on Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Always loved Irene's music. Another one gone too soon. GOD bless her 🌼🌺🌹
Irene Cara thank you for your music and the wonderful memories, I grew up watching her in the 70s on the electric company and in the movies fame sparkle and in so many wonderful television series, may you R.I.P.
Debbie still has that positive and motivational energy!
Awww I missed the news... I loved Fame as a child. R.I.P. Irene Cara.... Fly high ..... much love.... You inspired many of us. 😭
Both these beautiful ladies are so significant to my childhood grew up watching and still I’m a fan of them both. Irene Cara will be missed. Debbie Allen is such an inspiration it’s amazing how she always is still working to provide opportunities for young dancer’s inspiring new generations and being the positive representation she’s always been.
debbie is a wounderful person and has put herself out there to help our community for years. ive met her i think twice one when i was really young and when i was a teenager she is an example of what it looks like to go out there be the boots on the ground and make a difference.
I loved Irene Cara!God rest her!🙏🏻❤️
Love Debbie Allen and Irene Cara RIP
Irene was everything to me!!!!!! Omg
I'm in love with the legacy Debbie has built and will leave to future generations yearning to be far better than the circumstances they were born in.
LOVE Debbie Allen!💜 Your gonna LIVE FOREVER IRENE CARA!!!!
She looks amazing, WOW.. RIP Irene..
I love Debbie Allen😍 & I enjoyed Irene Cara, her works, and her talent will be missed🙏🏽
They impacted my life. At 12, I thought I was Irene, and Debbie was my dance teacher.
It's gon be a minute for me to accept that Irene is gone. Upon the announcement my ♥ shattered. Legends are just leaving here before their time... everyone be blessed. 😔
Debbie Allen is like a whole community in one human. Bow down. Respect. xxx
Can't stop the tears. Rest in peace Irene Cara. So beautiful, so talented.
Debbie and Irene - LEGENDS ⭐️⭐️
Her energy is still so vibrant and lovely....her wonderful sensitivity so evident. Remembering Irene was a beautiful moment of her soul feeling and unashamedly sharing a bit of pain. Hope she continues doing the fabulous work she does. She is a blessing to all the children fortunate enough to work with her... A TRUE teacher on her PURPOSE. 💜😇💃💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
We love Debbie and We love what she has brought to the world, ART ! And Irene Cara will always be a LEGEND !
Thank you, Ms. Allen for keeping your natural beauty. You are so beautiful. Watched your videos, accomplishments throughout your career. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Rip Irene Cara thanks for the memories! Like Debbie Allen once dropped a gem saying You Got Dreams You Want Fame but Fame costs!!! That's a bar!
I love Debbie. She was my childhood and teen inspiration like Irene Cara.
We feel the same pain. I grew up loving her gifts. May she rest in peace.
It’s amazing to see how one person can’t make such a difference in so many people’s lives. Irene was definitely that person. I just hope she knows how much she was loved and appreciated for all her efforts. She was special. Rest In peace Irene Cara and thank you for your contribution ❤️🙏❤️
I love Irene. She will be missed. A total fan.
Debbie Allen is a ICON and she looks absolutely amazing. Watching this makes me wanna watch FAME , it’s probably been 40 years since I last watched it, but I remember the Theme song like yesterday. RIP Irene Cara 🙏🏾❤️💃
I love Debbie Allen, she's just a living legend, Thank you for sharing your journey with us, we also will miss Irene Cara....
I send love health wealth abundance and prosperity 💛
Watched Fame series with my mom every week when I was a kid. She loved Debbie and I loved Irene. My mom passed early this year. With Irene's passing it brought back a flood of sweet memories ♥
There's only one Irene Cara. I Thank GOD for your life, gifts and talents.
I have sees Debbie Allen in Rotterdam, Ahoy with the crew of fame. I was a enormous fan of here, what a dancer.
When I heard that Irene Cara was found dead I was very emotional. But she will always be remembered. R.i.p. Irene
I usually play the Fame songs once a week. Thanks to Irene for so much inspiration.
Debbie, we care and love you. You have inspire everyone in care, bravery, and the arts.
I watched Debbie Allen and Irene Cara. Both of them, "Fame" and talent is the connection.💕💯
I had the honor of helping and serving Ms Allen at a grocery store I once worked at. She is full of good vibes and Energy. She is one of the greats.
Debbie has known a lot of dancers and has a lot of students who she's seen grow up and become parents and so many she's lost to AIDS and medical issues that I can't imagine her not being emotional over losing these young people she's mentored and choreographed. but she's a strong woman and Irene and Gene Anthony Ray and others that have gone on before are resting the peaceful arms of our Heavenly father.
Wow , Irene and Debbie had a 50 year friendship, that`s amazing !.....Two great talents.
RIP Irene, your name will be remembered !
Irene Cara really did light up the sky like a flame! Her talent and love of mucic will be missed!
Debbie changed my life..thank you, ms. Allen.💕❣❣
Debbie is a legend. Rip Irene.💞
Debbie is the Best!!!
I watched Flashdance and Fame. She was brilliant singer , actress. RIP Irene🙏
I've known Debra since we were teens in 7th grade; she at Miller Junior High School, me and my siblings at Fidelity Manor Junior High; she looks just like her genius mother now, Vivian Aires, Publizer
Prize author and Adept Gallery owner. DEBRAH has always been genuine about HELPING people achieve a HIGHER consciousness; probably because, spiritually, she, Felicia and Tex have always been talents to be reconned with...OUR lives were as triplets in the arts. God bless you guys and THANK YOU, Deborah for ALL your work to promote fine arts in our society. Just yo let you know, I've come out of retirement to sing again, because, I CAN AND to honor MY MOTHER! Love you, Deborah!
I been loving Debbie Allen every since FAME ❤️❤️❤️ she's amazing