'Flashdance' celebrates 35th anniversary
Director Jerry Bruckheimer & Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Irene Cara weigh in on film's long-lasting inspiration
Wendi McLendon-Covey, who stars as loving/smothering Beverly Goldberg on ABC's hit comedy, "The Goldbergs," will showcase her dancing skills when she channels Jennifer Beals' role as Alex Owens from the 1980s hit motion picture, "Flashdance," in an all-new episode. The "Flashy Little Flash Dancer" will air Wednesday, April 11 (8 p.m.).
Released on April 15, 1983, "Flashdance" is an American romantic drama directed by Adrian Lyne. It marked the first collaboration between producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer. It was a surprise box office success, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of 1983 in the U.S., netting more than $100 million. The soundtrack featured several hit songs, including "
Maniac" (performed by
Michael Sembello), and the
Academy Award-winning "Flashdance ... What A Feeling" (performed by Irene Cara).
"The Goldbergs" is a real-life recreation of executive producer Adam F. Goldberg's experiences of growing up in a suburban family in the 1980s. Like all episodes of "The Goldbergs," the story is inspired by an incredibly real-life experience.
"When my mom was a little girl, she dreamed of being a dancer," Goldberg said. "I even have old 8mm footage of her in dance class. Unfortunately, she never made it as a professional dancer - but it didn't stop her from cutting a rug whenever the opportunity presented itself or watching the classic '80s dance movies like 'Flashdance' over and over. Whenever my mom would dance, we would all laugh hysterically, because she is all skill and little talent. I just had to have Wendi try and do a "Flashdance" number in this episode like my mother would do. It was such a blast when we shot it, especially because Wendi is a gifted dancer in real life."
"I'm a huge fan of the show," said Cara, who won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "What A Feeling." "I'm really looking forward to seeing this 'Flashdance' moment recreated on 'The Goldbergs.' I'm sure it will be hilariously funny."
"Fun 'Flashdance' tribute on 'The Goldbergs' episode," Bruckheimer said. "Good to know the film still inspires 35 years later!"
