Oscar and Grammy winner, Irene Cara has passed away.  The singer/songwriter/actress, known for her memorable vocal performances to the theme of the hit movie, Fame, and singing the title track to another 80’s blockbuster, Flashdance, apparently died in her Florida home yesterday. The cause of death is not yet known.

According to her publicist, Judith Moore on Twitter, the rep shared: “This is the absolute worst part of being a publicist. I can’t believe I’ve had to write this, let alone release the news.  It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara. The Academy Award-winning actress, singer, songwriter and producer passed away in her Florida home.  Irene’s family has requested privacy as they process their grief. She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.”

A little known fact is that Irene’s first acting gig was on the daytime drama, Love of Life from 1970-1971 in the role of Daisy Allen.   She later appeared in TV roles on: What’s Happening, Kojak, Roots: The Next Generations, and in the film, Sparkle and many more.

Later, Cara first rose to prominence when she was cast in the 1980’s musical film Fame, where she sang the title track and starred in as Coco Hernandez.  Her vocal performance in Fame earned her two Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Performance Female in 1981.

Two years later, Cara not only picked up two Grammy Awards for her performance, but also an Oscar for  co-writing, “Flashdance… What a Feeling” from another 80’s pop culture smash, Flashdance.  At the Grammys in 1984, Irene won for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, and Best Album of an Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special.  She took home the Oscar for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards in 1983.

Cara’s rep added, that at the time of Irene’s death they were working on new projects: “Working on amazing projects that would have made her  and her fans incredibly happy. Her manager and I will finish them. She’d want that.”

Share your thoughts and remembrances on the passing of Irene Cara via the comment section below.

This is the absolute worst part of being a publicist. I can’t believe I’ve had to write this, let alone release the news. Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I’ll be reading each and every one of them and know she’ll be smiling from Heaven. She adored her fans. – JM pic.twitter.com/TsC5BwZ3fh

— Irene Cara (@Irene_Cara) November 26, 2022

In an absolutely stunning twist, the beloved Australian soap opera Neighbours which was canceled after 37 years and aired its final episode in late July after nearly 9,000 episodes, is coming back!

Amazon Freevee and the show’s producer, Fremantle have revealed that they are set to revitalize the soap opera and it will premiere exclusively, and for free, on the streamer in the UK and U.S.

In addition, this will include streaming rights to thousands of episodes from the previous seasons, which will be available to view prior to the launch of the new season.  Neighbours will also be available via Prime Video; in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, word is that new episodes will begin shooting in Australia next year.  Cast already signed-on include: Stefan Dennis, Alan Fletcher, Ryan Moloney and Jackie Woodburne who return to reprise their leading roles.

In a way, this news is a bit reminiscent of Prospect Park’s online save of All My Children and One Life to Live, when the company originally had hoped to move the soaps immediately and seamlessly following their network TV broadcast ending, to their new online home, only to run into pitfalls to eventually launch a year later.

Back in March, Neighbours ran into funding issues, when its key UK broadcast partner, Channel 5 pulled out and their attempts at finding alternative funding never panned out.

In a statement, Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD original content and programming at Amazon Studios, expressed: “Neighbours has captivated its audience for nearly 40 years, building a dedicated and loyal following for the lives and stories of the characters on Ramsay Street. With the power of streaming, we’re able to offer a catalog of thousands of Neighbours episodes for new audiences to discover this legendary series and current fans to relive their favorite moments. We look forward to immersing the audience in new Ramsay Street experiences when we relaunch the show next year for Amazon Freevee and Prime Video customers.”

Jennifer Mullin, global CEO, Fremantle added: “Neighbours is a unique series with a powerful connection with its fans across the world. We cherish the show and all those who have been part of its incredible story over many decades, so we are thrilled that we have found a new home with Amazon Freevee. Thanks to the innovative Amazon Freevee platform, many classic episodes will be available to fans, and Neighbours will go back into full production in Australia early next year, providing our fans with new episodes. This partnership with Amazon Freevee marks an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to collaborating with them, along with our long-term and valued partner in Australia, Network 10.”

Very sad news to report.  Robert Clary, who became a soap opera fan favorite for his roles as Robert LeClair on Days of our Lives, and Pierre Roulland on The Young and the Restless has died at the age of 96.

Clary, best known to primetime fans for his role as  Cpl. Louis LeBeau, on the comedy series, Hogan Heroes, passed away on Wednesday according to his granddaughter, Kim Wright, who informed the Hollywood Reporter.  Robert was the last surviving member of the iconic cast.

Photo: CBS

Throughout his daytime career, Clary always sang in his roles and is most remembered as Doug Williams (Bill Hayes) best friend, Robert LeClair.  The two would always perform at “Doug’s Place” in story.  Clary played the role from 1972–1973, 1975–1983, and again from 1986–1987.

During a break from DAYS, Robert went over to Y&R and created the role of Pierre Roulland when the CBS daytime drama first premiered from 1973-1974, and once again sang and acted on the show.  Later in his career, Clary appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful in the role of Pierre Jourdan from 1990-1992.

On Clary’s passing, Y&R shared: “The #YR Family sends our condolences to the family and loved ones of Robert Clary known to the Y&R audiences as “Pierre” on our debut episode!” 

B&B also honored Robert by posting: The Bell Family & @BandB_CBS re sad to learn of the passing of #RobertClary, who portrayed Pierre Jourdan on @BandB_CBS from 1990-1992. Robert was a talented actor, a kind and courageous man, and a friend to all who knew him.”

Four decades into his career, Robert, who was Jewish, came forward with the fact that was incarcerated for 31 months in an Auschwitz concentrate camp, and tattooed with the identification “A-5714” on his left forearm. He was the only one of his captured family to make it out alive.

Clary was married for 32 years to the late Natalie Cantor, the second daughter of Eddie Cantor. She passed away in 1997.

Share your remembrances of the exceptional Robert Clary via the comment section below. But first, watch Robert talking about working with Bill Hayes on Days of our Lives, and his appearance in Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes Lifetime Achievement Award package at the Daytime Emmys (produced by Michael Fairman).