An American actress, singer, and songwriter, she rose to fame in the early 1980s with her role in the musical film "Fame," where she performed the title song. Her performance earned her widespread acclaim and recognition. She further cemented her status in the entertainment industry with the hit song "Flashdance... What a Feeling" from the film "Flashdance," winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy. Her career spans acting, singing, and composing across various platforms.